Santa for seniors
How you can help
Inspired volunteer calendar offers many ways to make a difference
Give a special holiday gift to an older adult who may otherwise go without. Home Instead Holiday senior trees are available through Dec. 15 for this year's Be a Santa to a Senior campaign in Minneapolis. Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors' first names and their desired gifts. For tree locations, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com.
Soup's on!
Soup for You is a soup kitchen operating out of the basement of the old Bethany Church in Minneapolis. Vaccinated volunteers are needed to serve a diverse demographic, welcoming guests, taking orders and serving. Good people skills are helpful. Shifts are 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. More information can be found on the Facebook page, Soup for You Cafe.
Finding home
Heading Home Corps seeks more than 20 navigators to help area residents facing home instability. Once trained, you'll assist people in accessing resources, developing action plans and building skills. You must be 18, a high school graduate (or equivalent) and be willing to commit to a year of service. Stipend, benefits, plus payment toward student loans. Application deadline is Dec. 14; navigators will begin serving in January. ampact.us/heading-home.
Feed hungry kids
Assist Feed My Starving Children with food packing. Two-hour shifts. fmsc.org
Help with homework
The Good Neighbor Center in St. Paul seeks tutors for students K-12+ with homework and other activities to enhance learning. Mon.-Wed. evenings. 441rice.com
Boots on the ground
Project for Pride in Living needs donations of winter gear for participants, students and residents. Consider purchasing new winter boots and donating them to PPL. Various sizes needed. ppl-inc.org
Hair products
Touchstone Mental Health assists those affected by mental illness. Hold a collection drive at your school, church or other community center to donate hair care products. touchstonemh.org
Toy drive
The Toy Corner distributes new and like-new toys to families in need in Scott County. Hold a toy drive to collect toys suitable for ages 10-16. thetoycorner.org
Care assistant
Vail Place provides recovery services for adults with mental illness. Work alongside staff to enhance programming in the Club Houses (Hopkins and Minneapolis). Meal service, data entry, recreation, tax assistance, haircuts, music lessons. vailplace.org
Blanket brigade
My Very Own Bed provides beds and linens for children ages 2-17 who have recently moved into stable housing. Help make fleece blankets for a variety of themes; these blankets are matched to the child's interests when possible. myveryownbed.org
Blood center greeter
Assist Memorial Blood Centers in locations across the metro. Welcome donors, verify files and explain the donation process. Must have excellent customer services skills and be computer-literate. mbc.org
Find more
Hands-on Twin Cities offers a range of opportunities. Learn more about which groups need volunteers at handsontwincities.org or 612-379-4900.
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