MARSHFIELD — Marshfield Area United Way has named Dan and Mary Beth Knoeck campaign drive chairs for the upcoming fall campaign. When United Way approached the Knoecks about lending their time and talents to support the effort, their first reaction was, “Why us?” but it did not take long for either of them to realize that leading the annual campaign had little to do with them and everything to do with supporting United Way’s work and the community that they love. They simply could not say no.

Dan and Mary Beth have been longtime supporters of United Way, and they are both passionate about being able to make a difference and give back to the community. “Being familiar with the wide range of community support that United Way provides and seeing the difference your time can make, it just makes you feel good,” said Mary Beth.

After living in the Madison area for several years, Dan and Mary Beth moved back to Marshfield in 1998.

Dan, a Marshfield native, has been the director of public works for the city of Marshfield for the past 17 years. He is a member of Sunrise Rotary, and as a member of the Rotary Winter Wonderland Board, he is currently serving as its chairman.

Mary Beth is the adult/BAAS student enrollment coordinator and PEC advisor at UW-Marshfield/Wood County. She serves on the Healthy Lifestyles Community Committee and is involved with School to Career and the Nutrition on Weekends program.

Both Dan and Mary Beth are members of Our Lady of Peace Church and are actively involved as parent volunteers at Columbus Catholic Schools.

This fall the Knoecks hope to raise awareness about issues people in the community are facing daily. “For most people life is a delicate balance, and it may not take much to throw someone you know out of balance: a job loss, a prolonged illness, a car accident, or other unforeseen incident,” Dan said.

United Way and its partner agencies are critical resources in helping individuals get back on their feet. “We think of homelessness as a big city problem, but there are people struggling for basic shelter right here in our community,” said Dan.

Funds raised during the fall campaign for Marshfield Area United Way will support community programs that work to address issues such as hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, and more. For more information about the impact of a donation, visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org.