City seeks input
on renaming park
City of St. Joseph is asking for input from residents to choose a new name for East Park, which is located along College Avenue, south of Kennedy Community School. Prairie Park, Stargazer Prairie Park, Prairie Colt Park, Rivers Bend Park are just some of the possible names. Residents may take a survey about East Park at cityofstjoseph.com. Type in “Performance Survey” in the search box on top right and select the survey. There are 13 questions. The last one asks preference for a new park name. The survey runs through November. More about the park will be featured in the Dec. 1 St. Joseph Newsleader and online at thenewsleaders.com.
Seasonal needs
United Way has partnered with many local non-profit organizations to make sure this season, the needs of our community are met. Current items needed are grocery and gas cards, wrapping paper/tape, socks, PJs, slippers, towels, sheets and teen gifts. Items can be donated to Tri-CAP, Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club and Promise Neighborhood. Contact each organization before the drop-off to ensure they are open and ready for donations. Contact Mary Krippner, 320-223-7991 or mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org, for more information.
Bell ringing
The Salvation Army bell-ringing season starts each November and runs through Christmas Eve when the red kettles are packed away for the season. Volunteers are the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries or shelter an individual for a night. Contact Laura at 320-257-7437 or laura.douvier@usc.salvationarmy.org.
Winter wear for children
Collect coats, snow pants, boots, mittens and hats for the following locations: Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota and Promise Neighborhood. We encourage you to call each organization before drop-off to ensure they are open and ready for donations at that time.
Blood drive greeters
Blood drive greeters provide a friendly face, whether greeting and registering donors at check-in or thanking them for rolling up their sleeves and donating life-saving blood at the refreshments table. As little as one shift a month and the average shift is five-six hours. Email mndakvolunteer@redcross.org call 612-463-6587 or visit
www.redcross.org/givetime to learn more.
Donations for veterans
St. Cloud VA is looking for donations to help Veterans this winter. Need items must be new and unopened. The list includes postage stamps, backpacks, sports bras, shower shoes, phone cards, combs and chapstick, reader glasses, men’s deodorant, sweatpants, sweatshirts, jeans, magazines, men’s coats size Large-6XL, gloves, coats, notebooks and playing cards. Drop off donations at Building 8. Call the main office to set up an appointment at 320-255-6365. Call them when you arrive and they will greet you at the door.
