Giving Tuesday is coming early — because our community’s needs can’t wait
Marquette, MI – Giving Tuesday is coming early this year — because Marquette County’s needs can’t wait. On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, millions worldwide will participate in Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity supporting local nonprofits. This year, United Way of Marquette County is launching an early and expanded Giving Tuesday campaign to highlight the full range of essential needs facing local families.
While food insecurity continues to be a major concern, United Way sees the broader landscape: families are also facing challenges with housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, mental health, and senior care. This Giving Tuesday, the organization is encouraging donors to support all of these interconnected needs.
“Giving Tuesday is a moment to prioritize what matters — because the needs in Marquette County go far beyond food,” says Executive Director Andrew Rickauer. “When you give early, you help strengthen every corner of our community — from feeding families to keeping homes warm to supporting mental health and senior services.”
A Whole-Community Approach
This year’s message is built around a clear truth: “It takes more than a meal to build a thriving community.” By giving early, donors help United Way-supported programs — from food pantries to senior transportation, youth services, and mental health supports — meet rising seasonal demand.
Why Giving Early Matters
• Supports local nonprofits at a time when requests for help continue to rise.
• Strengthens the entire community, with one gift supporting dozens of programs county-wide.
• Creates lasting impact, helping neighbors through the toughest months of the year.
• Ensures resources are available before the holidays when need is highest.
Whether you give now or on December 2, your support fuels a network of programs working together to improve lives across Marquette County.
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The United Way of Marquette County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization utilizing community collaborations to provide health, education, and social service needs to area residents. More than 21,000 individuals were helped by United Way of Marquette County partner agencies last year—- that is 1 out of every 3 Marquette County residents. For more information, or to donate to the United Way, visit uwmqt.org
