By Amber Leifheit

Marshfield Area Community Foundation

MARSHFIELD — The Marshfield Area Community Foundation (MACF) was established 22 years ago by the Adler sisters, Anne and Bette. Their goal was to make a long-term impact on the Marshfield community. Today MACF has $12.6 million in assets and more than 150 funds. MACF has given back $4.6 million to the Marshfield community throughout its history. There are funds that support the arts, education, the environment, animals, sports and leisure, youth development, human services, and community development.

Many nonprofits exist in Marshfield to help make sure people have food and shelter, but some individuals fall through the cracks. Vital Signs, a collaborative report generated by MACF, Marshfield Area United Way, and the city of Marshfield, provides information on the socioeconomic health of the community. According to this report, the number of children who qualify for free or reduced lunches is increasing in Marshfield. Currently, more than 1,300 children need assistance.

There are over 63 homeless children in Marshfield. The median income has declined 7.4 percent over the last 10 years, and one out of five children in Marshfield is living in poverty. Twenty-one percent of eighth, 10th, and 12th grade students have reported not having enough to eat.

In 2013, honoring its 20th Anniversary, MACF undertook a new project to insure that children have a warm winter coat, boots, mittens, snow pants, and other items to keep them warm in the winter months. Over the last two years, new or gently used coats, boots, snow pants, and mittens have been given out to about 600 children. Community donations of $4,500 were given to support the Nutrition On Weekends program through the Marshfield United Way.

Thanks to the donations of cash and gently used coats, children in need stay warm and are provided meals on weekends. Because of how successful the program was and knowing that the need continues, MACF wants to support these programs again this year.

To continue the success of this program, your tax deductible donation can be sent to the Marshfield Area Community Foundation at P.O. Box 456, Marshfield, WI 54449, or you can give online at marshfieldareacommunityfoundation.org.