Around Minnesota

This past holiday STEP’s Holiday Program served over 600 families including 962 children who received holiday toys and gifts cards. This was no small task given that the number of families and children registered and ultimately served was at the highest it has ever been. Despite the increase in need, STEP was still able to serve each family and child with no change in programming. We simply have you to thank for that as once again St. Louis Park and neighboring communities donated in extreme generosity to provide an amazing collection of toys and gift cards for each family to select from as they walked through the toy shop.

Last spring the youth in Good Samaritan’s Confirmation and Senior High Youth Group were offered an opportunity to make a difference in their world. In a project call LightQuest, those who chose to participate were challenged to identify a cause that they were passionate about, where they felt they wanted to make a difference, where they could shine their light into the world. Then, with a plan of action in hand, they were each funded with $100, the monies made available through a private investment. One of the rules of this project called for them to make their donation in person. The kids were also encouraged to volunteer some time if that was appropriate to their project. Seventeen Good Samaritan young people decided to take up the challenge!

Minnesota Annual Conference Early Disaster Response Team answered the call to assist tornado victims in Rogers, MN. Good Samaritan's own, Miriam Rickert and Joe Cleaveland are members of the Disaster Response Team. This is one way, through our church and annual conference, you can be a part of making a difference. Training to be part of this team is offered periodically.

Stonebridge Community School is a K-6 public charter school that provides a unique combination of curriculum, services, and location designed to provide a first-class education to Minneapolis students. Tuition-free and open to all K-6 students, Stonebridge is a safe, small school community with full time kindergarten. Stonebridge is located at West Franklin and Nicollet. Good Samaritan has a committee that maintains their library and provides tutors. About 1/4 of their students are living in homeless shelters.

This is a great way to spend about 1½ hours once a month. There are 8 routes … we deliver about 100 meals … and drivers are needed for each route. All ages participate. High school kids, couples, and individuals deliver – even families with young children! Good Samaritan serves the 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month.

Teams of 3 people are needed to serve a meal and have dinner with residents at the shelter one day a month.  http://www.simpsonhousing.org/womens_directions.htm

This preschool serves the low-income population of south Minneapolis providing a Spanish and English bilingual program. Opportunities for service include helping teachers in the classroom 1 or 2 times a month, serving on the Board of Directors, or providing occasional help with special projects.

Food and offerings are collected to support these two area food shelves: Joyce Food Shelf in south Minneapolis and VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People) Food Shelf serving Bloomington , Edina , and Richfield.

Everyone is welcome to participate. Projects are scheduled September through April, with a specific “women build” project in the summer. Specific dates will be publicized in the newsletter and Sunday bulletin.

Hearts & Hammers is a local non-profit that organizes a one-day event each September to refurbish homes for the elderly and disabled. No experience or technical expertise is necessary, just a willingness to participate and enjoy a day with others from the congregation. Work is limited to exterior improvements, including painting, minor carpentry and landscaping. Hearts & Hammers provides its service at no cost and therefore relies on the talents of dedicated volunteers each year to complete its mission. Contact Person: JoAnn Knutson, 952.920.8265 http://www.heartsandhammers.org/

Volunteers are needed for both long and short-term projects assisting with the food shelf, transportation, seasonal programs, and providing office assistance. http://www.veapvolunteers.org/