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.
Thanksgiving Day Buffet – St. Scholastica, BlueStone
A longstanding tradition, the annual Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet provides a free holiday dinner for residents of the region. In addition to an on-site option at the DECC, home meal delivery is provided for homebound individuals in Duluth, Superior, Proctor, Hermantown, Esko, Cloquet 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.
Lakes Area Restorative Justice Program (LARJP), Baxter
LARJP provides Restorative Group Conferencing, a forum for juvenile wrongdoers and their families, those victimized by the harm, and their supporters, to meet in a safe, respectful environment to discuss the incident. The process enables those victimized to express their feelings about the impact of the harmful behavior and to get answers to their questions. It helps offenders understand the true impact of their actions and holds them accountable for the harm they’ve caused, by completing a contract in collaboration with the victim(s). Visit the website to discover how to support LARJP.
Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat, McGregor
Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat is dedicated to empowering disabled veterans and individuals who are no longer able to actively participate in outdoor activities due to their limitations. This includes archery and marksmanship via rifle and pistol shooting. They support all those who are disabled by providing a venue specifically designed to accommodate them, at no cost to them. Help a vet and donate today.
The Community Effect, Aitkin
The Community Effect creates opportunities for community members of all ages to engage in fun, enjoyable and free activities. They serve as a hub for community members and organizations to share their time, talent, and interests with the goal of building meaningful and impactful relationships within the community. Cornerstones of their programming include Reading Pals, weekly art programs, and cultural activities. The Community Effect serves Aitkin, Cass and Crow Wing County. Learn more about programming, donation, and volunteer opportunities.
United Way of Carlton County, Cloquet
United Way of Carlton County advances the common good in communities across the world. Their focus is on education, income, and health – the building blocks for a good quality of life. They work with local partners to assess community needs and invest in solutions that create measurable results. Together, they are making a difference in the lives of individuals and families. Get involved with the United Way today!
Duluth Children’s Museum, Miller Hill
Founded in 1930, Duluth Children’s Museum is the fifth oldest children’s museum in the United States. It’s a place where all children are free to imagine and explore, hands–on, through creative play and interactive exhibits. Such exhibits include their indoor climbing playground, STEM Stations, a learning lab, and an aviation exploration station. They welcome all children and their adults to experience a delight-filled playful learning experience. Donate, volunteer, or become a member today!
PAVSA, Spirit Valley
Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA), is a non-profit sexual violence crisis center in southern Saint Louis County that provides free and confidential services to victim-survivors, their family, and friends, ages 13 and up. Their services are available whether the violence happened yesterday or years ago. They ensure that everyone, regardless of gender identity, language, ability, race, ethnicity, income, age, immigration status, or religion is given the support to heal from the trauma of sexual violence and help stop the cycle of violence. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about PAVSA, visit the website.
Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation, Grand Rapids
By building an endowment through private fundraising, the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation strives to enhance library resources and provide additional funds for projects that enrich the community. Among many other initiatives, they’ve successfully collaborated with area partners to fund the Grand Rapids Area Library StoryWalk®, McCarty Park— an interactive music park, and online storytime with the Grand Rapids Area Library. Learn more about their work online.
Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, Moose Lake
Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is an accredited nonprofit outdoor school and conference and retreat center. They offer year-round outdoor school programming, youth and family camps, college courses, wildlife programs, adult learning experiences, and community events for all ages. Their mission is to instill a connection and commitment to the environment in people of all communities through experiential learning. Our financial contribution will support a wide array of programs, keeping costs affordable for those who participate in their offerings and community activities. Learn more about the great opportunities they offer on the website.
Sandstone 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 online.
Safe Haven Foster Shoppe, North Branch
It’s common for foster families to take in foster children during the middle of the night, and sometimes they arrive with only the clothes on their back. Safe Haven Foster Shoppe fills the gap by providing bags with necessities and a few things they can call their own. The bags are unique and personalized for each age and gender. Safe Haven Foster Shoppe works with county services and private organizations to hand deliver each bag donated. Today we honor Safe Haven Foster Shoppe and their continuing support of our youth and community.
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. Whether you need food assistance or are looking to donate or volunteer your time, visit the website for information.
