Some of the Greatest Gifts Can’t Be Wrapped

With the continued hardships prompted by a stubborn economic downturn, non-profit organizations and charities throughout the Twin Cities region are getting ready to assist thousands of families with food, gifts and various other necessities for the holidays.
 
Here are just a few examples of ways you can turn someone’s potentially difficult or depressing holiday into one filled with hope and happiness:

Feeding hot meals:

According to a KARE 11 report earlier this year, there are now about 13,000 Minnesotans who are homeless, a number that has grown since recession of 2008-2009.

“Poor adults already living on the edge can be catapulted into homelessness by what otherwise might be considered a minor event, such as a child’s illness, loss of transportation to work, or a rental increase, because they don’t have a safety net,” said a representative of Dakota Woodlands, a homeless shelter in Eagan. “Small problems become huge catastrophes.”  

Many communities have agencies specifically there to help your neighbors down the street—for example, Neighbors, Inc. in South St. Paul—which offers a food shelf, clothing closet and more—is in need of Santa’s Helpers for their annual Holiday Program distribution. (EDIT)

The Neighborhood House in St. Paul is also seeking volunteers for its annual Holiday Dinner, on Dec. 15, during which a hot meal is served to more than 500 families. The facility, at 179 Robie St. E. needs people to help set up from 4 to 6 p.m., and to clean up/take down from 7 to 9 p.m.

Numerous food shelves throughout the Twin Cities will be providing holiday-season baskets of food to struggling families, and many welcome volunteers to assist with the assembly or distribution of these gifts, bringing a smile to hundreds of faces.

In Eagan, Dakota Woodlands is currently recruiting volunteers for meal preparation. This and other ways to make a difference can be found at the Dakota Woodlands website.


Visiting nursing homes or hospitals:

Heart to Home nursing homes in Mendota Heights, along with other nursing homes throughout the Twin Cities, welcomes volunteers who offer companionship to residents and talents that will make their holidays brighter.

What types of talents are needed? "Companionship—families may not live locally or be able to come by and visit (loved ones)," said Josh Moxley Cesaro, Heart to Home administrator. "Volunteers can look at pictures and talk; if they have a flair for crafts they can come in and do a craft; if they’re handy in the kitchen they can help bake cookies. ... In the summer time, obviously the gardens."

According to Kathy Dunleavy, Campus Director of Community Life/Recreation Therapy Services at Woodbury Senior Living, the need for volunteers is particularly acute right after New Year’s, when people seem to forget about the urge to volunteer.

People “think about it during the holidays and schedule it ahead of time, and we have carolers and family groups, and there’s something going on just about every day … But then after the holidays, when it’s dark and cold outside, and all those people go away, it’s a sad time of the year for many of our residents.”

And then there are hospitals. If there’s such a thing as a good time to be laid up, the holiday season isn’t it. Hospital volunteers can provide patients with invaluable help during the holiday season, not only bringing a bit of holiday spirit but also hope and happiness, which can help with the recovery process.

Helping those with infants:

If there’s a soft spot in your heart for our smallest and most vulnerable neighbors this time of year, think diapers: A year-round necessity for infants, they are an especially helpful gift this time of year. The Diaper Drive could use help in all kinds of ways, but especially with establishing more drop-off locations and holding drives to collect this very simple, yet basic necessity.

Helping domestic abuse victims:

If you have a special interest in or concern for domestic abuse victims, you can help make holidays brighter by donating your and talents to a local prevention agency.

For example, Cornerstone has numerous ways you can help, including the Santa Shop, a program at Cornerstone that enables children to “shop” for gifts for family members and experience the joy of giving.

Donating goods:

After doing some cleaning around the house for the new year–including cleaning out your cabinets, closets and basement–“Donate anything that is still in good condition to a good cause,” Bragg says. “Your local Salvation Army or Goodwill accepts everything from clothing and furniture to old movies and cooking pans.”

Other non-profit organizations, such as the Courage Center, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled Veterans of America, and the Lupus Foundation, will even send a truck out to your house to pick up what can become a treasure to others.

Homeless shelters such as Dakota Woodlands often provide a list of their most urgent needs as well as holiday gift ideas. Dakota Woodlands’ current requests for most-needed items can be found online

Toys: The Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Foundation fulfills the wishes of children whose families cannot afford to give them gifts. Bring new, unwrapped toys to the before Dec. 20 and they will be delivered to children whose families cannot provide extras this time of year.

Food:  Food shelves such as Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul and Neighbors, Inc. in South St. Paul suggest making it a part of your grocery shopping routine to also pick up and donate some items that are in greatest need.

Also, get to know what other items can be useful to others. Aside from non-perishable food items, personal care items, and clothes the STEP Program in St. Louis Park, for instance, can even use your extra paper grocery bags with handles.