($1000 in $100 bills - KIWA Staff Stock Photo)Sheldon, Iowa — Donations to the 2026 Sheldon United Fund have started to come in, and the first week of the drive is complete.
The drive continues through the rest of the year. The goal this year is $30,000.
The fund drive is now 10% finished. The funds are at about 27% of goal, at $8183. Over $21,000 has yet to be raised. To finish on goal, the drive now needs to average about $2300 per week through the rest of the year.
Pledge cards and contributions to any or all of the organizations served by the Sheldon United Fund may be dropped off at four different locations this year: Citizens State Bank, Iowa State Bank, Security National Bank, or People’s Bank. Explanations of the organizations are also available at those locations. You can also mail donations to PO Box 41, Sheldon, Iowa 51201.
The United Fund will be assisting 22 different organizations in Sheldon and the surrounding communities this year, and the board members thank the businesses and individuals of Sheldon and the surrounding communities for their continued support.
Supported organizations:
1) Children’s World – Children’s World serves families in Sheldon and outlying regions by promoting children’s development and self-esteem in an atmosphere of warmth and respect. They provide childcare services for children ages 2 weeks to 13 years old.
2) Conquering Cancer 4 O’Brien County – We support individuals in O’Brien County who have been touched by cancer in many ways. Our goal is to raise awareness, money for local needs in the community, and assist various cancer agencies used by individuals in our county.
3) Dolly Parton Imagination Library – The Dolly Parton Imagination Library serves children who live in the Sheldon Community School District. Each month, registered children from birth through their fifth birthday receive an age-appropriate book delivered to their home via the US Postal Service, completely free of charge. There is no cost to the families for the books.
4) Family Crisis Centers – Family Crisis Centers of Northwest Iowa serves individuals and families in O’Brien, Osceola, Lyon, and Sioux counties. FCC provides office hours in Sheldon. All services are free and confidential. FCC provides a crisis hotline, crisis counseling, support groups, safe shelter, advocacy, emergency transportation, and food/care packages to clients living in Sheldon.
5) Foster Grandparent Program – Volunteers act as mentors/tutors in schools, daycares & Head Start Centers. They lend a listening ear & caring heart to a struggling child.
6) Girl Scouts – The Girl Scouts come from the Sheldon, Matlock, Archer, Ashton, and Boyden areas. The money is used to provide activities and supplies. Local service projects are an important part of the Girl Scouts.
7) Love INC – Love INC (In the Name of Christ) currently has 23 partner churches in Sheldon and surrounding communities. Love INC receives requests for help from agencies, churches, or individuals. Love INC screens the request for extent of need and legitimacy. If appropriate, the need is referred to a local church program or a community service agency.
8) Noah’s Ark Preschool – An early childhood center which offers nursery school to 3 yr olds and pre-school (4 yr olds). The school serves families in Sheldon and the surrounding communities.
9) Orab Music Boosters – Volunteers whose purpose and mission is to enhance and support the music programs of the Sheldon Community School District.
10) Rise Ministries, Inc. – Rise Ministries is dedicated to inspiring and spreading the message of Hope to the youth of the area. Rise Fest is more than music – it is a mission.
11) Sheldon Civic Music – Civic Music is organized to promote fine music in Northwest Iowa. Planners strive to provide a broad range of entertainment for family audiences.
12) Sheldon East Elementary Excellence for East – It is an organization to foster communication and involvement among parents, teachers, and students. They plan to enhance the school spirit with birthday books, family events, library expansion, and new playground equipment.
13) Sheldon Middle School Backpack Program – Funds are no longer available to supplement food costs for the backpacks of 330 middle school students who have free or reduced lunches. They had been done by the Food Bank of Iowa previously.
14) Sheldon Ministerial Association – The council provides traveling assistance for transient people in the Archer/Sheldon area. They support community events that share Christ’s love through acts of service.
15) Sheldon Prairie Arts Council – Five O’Brien County country schools have been restored & moved to this property on Highway 18. The money will be used for maintenance.
16) Sheldon Prairie Museum – The museum serves Sheldon and the surrounding area. The museum collects and preserves local history to promote good community life. The money will be used to maintain our building fixtures.
17) Sheldon Recreational Trails – The trail serves Sheldon and all area residents. The money is used to continue construction of the trail.
18) Sheldon Sanford Home Health and Hospice – Sanford Home Health and Hospice works closely with patients/clients and their physician to ensure thorough continuity of care needs while keeping the patient/client in their home.
19) Sheldon Shop with a Cop – Serves underprivileged children to obtain all their required school supplies and clothing each year.
20) Sheldon Summer Lunch Program – Hot meals are served to children and a few adults beginning the first day school is out and until it begins again. The money is used to purchase food for the kids’ snack bags.
21) Upper Des Moines Opportunity – The office serves Sheldon residents only. Requests from Sheldon residents for emergency needs include utilities, rent, food, and gasoline for work, job searches, or medical appointments.
22) Village Northwest – Therapy Equipment – The Village provides opportunities to 180 individuals through residential, vocational, therapeutic, and social programs. Funds requested would be used to purchase therapeutic equipment for individuals with autism.
