Brookings Area United Way

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

This week, we caught up with the Brookings County Food Pantry to learn more about what items are most needed in our community right now.❤️

If you’re heading to the grocery store this week, consider adding one (or more!) of these Top 10 Most-Needed Items to your cart:
Cereal
Beef ramen
Creamed soups
Pop-Tarts
Spaghetti sauce
Canned chicken
Canned tuna
Ketchup
Pancake syrup
Oatmeal

Every donation makes a difference! A simple item from your grocery list can help stock the shelves and support a neighbor in need.

The Food Pantry has fresh vegetables that are free to community members every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00–4:30 PM.🥕 Households can access regular food panty services up to three times a year with a valid ID and one piece of mail verify address.

Check out the Brookings County Food Pantry at https://brookingscountyfoodpantry.weebly.com/ or find them on Facebook by searching Brookings County Emergency Food Pantry.

08/27/2026

Dolly Parton recently shared a story about her father, one of the most important figures in her life. While her success was extraordinary, he truly beamed when she began Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. He had never learned to read, and he realized the burden that carried. He told her that of everything she accomplished, he was most proud of her for starting that organization.

Since 2002, Brookings Area United Way has helped further her mission "to create a love for books and reading in children and give every child the start they need in education and life." (photo of 2002 board members and Dolly celebrating our commitment).

Since her recent passing, we've seen an increase in enrollment as she continued to bring attention to the cause. She would surely love that.

In lieu of flowers, she and her family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

If you choose to do so, visit the website and click donate. You may even choose to direct your gift to us or any organization in your area. You can also dedicate the donation to Dolly or another loved one.

We will continue our work with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and do so in her honor. We thank her for starting this important endeavor that we will now all carry on for years to come.

08/26/2026

Apparently, the silliness and need to entertain have been around for awhile…
Happy Birthday to our fun-loving, slightly ridiculous (in the best way!) boss, Heidi!

We hope your day is filled with lots of laughs, good times, and all the fun you bring to everyone around you🎉💗

08/25/2026

Our hearts are heavy at this news. She was a true legend, but one that used her fame to both entertain and make the world better. We are proud to continue her vision focusing on the value of reading with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library well into the future. The ripple effects of what she has provided through her endeavors will last for lifetimes.

08/25/2026

On Tuesdays, we twin 👯‍♀️

08/24/2026

🎙️Missed us on the radio this morning? Here’s the recap!

With National Su***de Prevention Month just over a week away, Brookings Area United Way’s Community Initiatives Coordinator and Mental Health Coalition representative, Tehra Nelson, shared ways our community can come together this September to spread hope, support, and connection💜

From free Chalk the Walk kits and 988 yard signs to 988 Day, SDSU's Memorial 5K, and the 6th Annual Family Bash event, there are plenty of ways to get involved and help remind others that they are not alone.

Want to be part of it? Learn more about upcoming events and sign up for a free Chalk the Walk kit or 988 yard sign at www.brookingsunitedway.org.
If you missed us on the radio, check your mailboxes and you’re caught up!😉

08/21/2026

What they said.

08/20/2026

September Starts With YOU💙
National Su***de Prevention Month is just two weeks away, and Brookings Area United Way, in partnership with the Brookings County Mental Health Coalition, is coming together to make September a month of hope, connection, awareness, and action.

Throughout the month, we’ll be creating and supporting opportunities to start conversations, share messages of hope, raise awareness of the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, and remind our community that no one has to face a difficult moment alone.
From Chalk the Walk, 988 yard signs, to Brew Up Hope and other community activities, there are many ways to get involved!

💜Find an opportunity that speaks to you. Learn more and sign up for a FREE Chalk the Walk kit or 988 yard sign at www.brookingsunitedway.org and spread hope and connection this September.

***dePreventionMonth

08/18/2026

The Salvation Army of Brookings is now accepting registrations for Share the Warmth, a program helping local families stay warm during the winter months.

If you or someone you know could benefit, check out the registration information and apply today. ❤️

Don't forget to register now!

Registration and Volunteer form can be found at:https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/sd/brookings/7th-st/share-the-warmth/