Have you done something — even something small — to make our community better?

We want to know about it.

For the sixth year in a row, Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Star Tribune and U.S. Bank are teaming up to sponsor a student essay contest.

To take part in this year's contest, students in grades three through five are invited to write about what they have done to make their families, neighborhoods, classrooms and communities better.

Students should give examples of what they have done to "Live United" — by helping others, by improving their neighborhood or the environment, by befriending a new student or standing up to a bully.

Teachers, parents and community leaders are encouraged to invite students to participate in the contest. Essays should be concise (about 100 words), inspirational and, most important, personal.

Prizes, donated by U.S. Bank, will be awarded to the top 10 winning essayists, and their stories will be published in the Star Tribune Nov. 24.

Essay contest details

What: An essay contest for children in grades three through five. Submissions are welcome from families, community organizations and schools.

Theme: Essays should be about 100 words long and follow United Way's "Live United" theme.

Deadline: Essays must be received by Oct. 16.

To submit: E-mail to essay@gtcuw.org or mail to Greater Twin Cities United Way, Essay Contest, 404 S. 8th St., Minneapolis, MN 55404. Essays should include the student's name, age, grade, address, phone number and e-mail address. Essays will not be considered without contact information. (Contact information will not be published.)

Winners: The first-place winner will receive a $500 gift card from U.S. Bank. The nine runners-up will each receive a $100 gift card. All 10 winners will have their essays published in the Variety section of the Star Tribune.