12 OUTSTANDING CHARITIES – 12 DAYS OF GIVING – ONE AMAZING TRADITION
Giving: it’s the best part of the holiday season! As part of MCCU’s annual 12 Days of Giving initiative, each branch manager from our 12 locations selected a local nonprofit and presented them with a gift of $2,500. The funds will be used to support the basic needs and essential services of those who benefit from their programming.
Day One: Aitkin County CARE Meals on Wheels, Aitkin
With a mission to enhance and promote the independence, dignity, value, and well-being of older and disabled adults and those who care for them, Aitkin County CARE (Coordinating Area Resources Effectively) provides critical support to area residents. Among those services is the Meals on Wheels program. Aitkin County CARE delivers hot meals to residents within the city limits and adjacent rural areas. A full belly and a friendly face can make all the difference in a person’s day. If you’re interested in donating, please visit the Aitkin County CARE website to learn more.
Day Two: Thanksgiving Day Buffet, Duluth (Spirit Valley)
For 33 years, the annual Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet has provided a free holiday dinner for residents of the region. In addition to an on-site option, home meal delivery is provided for homebound individuals in Duluth, Superior, and Two Harbors. The event helps ensure that no one has to go without a holiday dinner at Thanksgiving. Visit the Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet website to donate for the next event.
Day Three: Isanti-Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution, Isanti
The Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution (CSFD) program is a partnership with Second Harvest Heartland that aims to end hunger in the community by distributing surplus food, such as overstocked, close-dated or bulk items, to individuals and families who are in crisis or whose income does not exceed federal poverty guidelines. CSFD distributes about 22,000 pounds of food to 250 families. Whether you need food assistance or are looking to donate or volunteer your time, visit the website for information.
Day Four: Louise Seliski Shelter, Baxter
The Louise Seliski Shelter provides a safe, secure facility for people seeking a way out of a violent situation. Their intake is open 24 hours a day and provides the resources and services to advocate for survivors of all types of relationship abuse. With respect, honesty, confidentiality, and accountability, they support survivors in developing their personal goals. Learn more about donation and volunteer opportunities.
Day Five: CHUM, Duluth (Miller Hill)
CHUM (Churches United in Ministry) is an organization whose programs serve more than 8,000 low-income, homeless, hungry, isolated, or otherwise marginalized community members each year.
CHUM advocates for increased resources and services for people experiencing homelessness, increased access to childcare, food security, the construction and preservation of affordable housing, health, and educational equity, and working with the Native American and African Heritage communities to identify, speak to and dismantle structures of domination and racism in Duluth. Visit the website to discover how to support CHUM.
Day Six: North Branch- Chisago Lakes Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, North Branch
North Branch- Chisago Lakes Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, North Branch (CLBTYR) exists to support Chisago Lakes military service members, veterans, and their families by assisting in the coordination of support and resources available to them through multiple channels. New members are always welcome to join their task force and be placed on their list to be called upon when service members, veterans, and their families are in need. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about CLBTYR, visit the website.
Day Seven: Kids Plus, McGregor
The Kids Plus program of McGregor was established by the Northland Foundation to improve the well-being of children and youth. Through Kids Plus, local citizens, youth, and adults work together to make their communities a better place for children and youth to live and grow. A wide range of programming designed to meet the needs and interests of young people is a core part of their offering. Learn more about the great opportunities they offer on the website.
Day Eight: Life House, Duluth (BlueStone)
Since 1991, Life House has provided homeless and street youth ages 14-24 with unconditional support, transitional housing, and a safe alternative to the streets. They help ensure that our youth never have to walk a long, hard road alone, and we value this mission. For MCCU’s eighth day of giving, we honor Life House and their continuing support of our youth and community.
Day Nine: Sandstone Volunteer Fire Department, Sandstone
The Sandstone Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency response services to the Sandstone community. The Fire Department’s mission is to prevent the loss of life and property. In addition to responding to fires, the Sandstone Volunteer Fire Department also responds to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, rescue calls, and incidents involving hazardous materials. The services they provide are critical to the well-being of the Sandstone community. To learn more, get connected on Facebook.
Day Ten: Grand Rapids Yellow Ribbon Citizen’s Committee, Grand Rapids
The Grand Rapids Yellow Ribbon Citizen’s Committee works to ensure that military families in the community are supported. The Committee acts as a liaison between the community and the military. They believe that our commitment to awareness and support for all service members must not end when they return home from deployment and the yellow ribbons are untied. Learn more about their work on Facebook.
Day Eleven: 23rd Veteran, Cloquet
23rd Veteran helps veterans and military members who are living with trauma. Their signature program is a unique and immersive challenge requiring a 14-week commitment that acclimates veterans to civilian culture for a more successful life. Based on self-reported data, this is one of the most effective programs developed for military and veterans who’ve experienced trauma. For more information or to support this worthy cause, visit the 23rd Veteran website.
Day Twelve: Wounded Warriors United, Moose Lake
Wounded Warriors United is a not-for-profit organization exclusively founded for our combat-wounded and combat veterans. They exist to provide therapeutic sporting and social events to assist in the healing of our heroes’ hearts and minds. They rely solely on private and corporate donations, and we’re proud to support them during MCCU’s 12 Days of Giving. Help a vet and donate today.
