The Gruffalo Walk 2023 is gearing up!!!  Get ready to see a Gruffalo strolling down Main Street, Marshall.  Who will it be?

United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) is excited to announce the Chief of Police vs. Fire Chief competition to raise money for the Stuff the Bus initiative. The Chief that raises the least amount of funds will wear the Gruffalo costume as they walk down Main Street.  The Gruffalo character is based on a beloved classic children’s book by Julia Donaldson, which has been distributed locally as part of the Imagination Library book program. 

Meet The Contenders

Chief Of Police - Jim Marshall, Chief of Police for the Marshall Police Department 

Fire Chief - Quentin Brunsvold, Fire Chief for the Marshall Fire Department  

The Stuff the Bus school supply drive is coordinated by UWSWMN and includes the distribution of school supplies to those public, private, and charter schools throughout our service area.  This initiative aims to provide K-12 students with the basic school supplies needed to learn and succeed.  Visit our website to learn more about upcoming dates, drop-off locations, and volunteer needs for Stuff the Bus, www.unitedwayswmn.org/STB.

Donations to support Team Police or Team Fire can be made through 12:00 pm Thursday, May 25^th.  You can make your donation online by clicking here; stopping by any of our Donation Drop-off sites (Lockwood Motors, Kruse Ford, Bremer Bank, Runnings Corporate offices, and at the UWSWMN office located at 800 East Main St., Marshall; or by mailing a donation to UWSWMN, PO Box 41, Marshall, MN  56258. 

Once you’ve supported your team financially, plan to join us on Thursday, May 25^th, and honk as the “Gruffalo” walks down Main Street that afternoon.  Route and time will be announced via social media.  Join us for drink and food specials at the Wooden Nickel from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. as the Traveling Plaque is passed from Al Castor, Winner of the 2022 Gruffalo Walk to the New Winner.  Door prizes will be drawn at 5:30!