MARQUETTE — The United Way of Marquette County is holding a Facebook contest allowing area residents to choose a participating partner agency to win a $500 shopping spree for basic needs items at Target. Two additional agencies will win $125 basic needs shopping sprees.

The shopping event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. All participants must be available by 9:30 a.m., and shopping will begin at 10 a.m. at the Marquette Target store. Details on winning agencies will be provided by Tuesday.

UWMC partner agencies have a high demand for basic needs items such as food, clothing, paper products and cleaning supplies. UWMC received $753.60 from Michigan taxpayers via selecting the United Way Fund on their Voluntary Contributions Schedule (Form 4642) when filing their Michigan income taxes in 2021. The funds are provided “for basic needs, including, but not limited to, food, clothing and shelter” in accordance with Public Act 527 of 2008. In order to allow community members to decide where the funds go directly, as happens with all program funding, UWMC is holding a contest on Facebook to like, comment and share a post in order to be entered to win, select the nonprofit of their choice to win the shopping spree, and join them for the shopping trip. Winners will be selected on Monday.

Funds are provided by the Michigan Income Tax Checkoff donations made to the United Way Fund on 2021 state income tax returns.

For a list of participating partner agencies and their wish lists, visit www.uwmqt.org/partner-agencies.