Win a chance to see Sesame Street Live
Readers are invited to enter for the chance to win a family four-pack of vouchers to Sesame Street Live’s performance of Let’s Dance at the State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. Performances are Jan. 16-18. Each voucher can be redeemed for one ticket to the performance. Tickets may be redeemed up until showtime, but seats are not guaranteed for a specific performance if it is sold out. Enter by emailing the Newsleaders at news@thenewsleaders.com with your name, email and phone number before 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18. Winners will be chosen at random, and notified via email.
Residents urged to take city survey
Sartell residents are urged to participate in a community survey open until Monday, Dec. 15. The purpose of the survey is to aid elected officials in determining the efficiency of city services and measuring residents’ opinions of those services, along with assisting in prioritizing community amenities. Participation in the survey is voluntary and anonymous. The more people that choose to participate in the survey, the more valid the results will be. The survey contains 14 questions and will take just a few minutes to complete. In order to participate in the survey, you must be a resident or business owner in Sartell. Participation is limited to one survey per resident or business. Paper versions of the survey are available at City Hall and the Police Station. To participate online click on www.sartellmn.com.
United Way Volunteer Opportunities
Anna Marie’s Alliance seeks holiday donations
The mission at Anna Marie’s Alliance is to provide a safe place for victims of domestic abuse and to achieve systems change that reduces violence. Anna Marie’s is in special need of the following donations: store certificates, hair products, body wash/lotions, diapers size 3, 4 and 5, towels and washcloths, coats (especially sizes 2X and 3X) hats/mittens/gloves for women and children, and all sizes of new underwear and socks. Contact Kim, Anna Marie’s Alliance, at 320-253-6900.
Fourth-grade math enrichment volunteer
Volunteers are needed to support a fourth-grade classroom at Talahi Community School, located at 1321 University Dr. SE, St. Cloud (close to SCSU’s campus). Volunteers will assist math enrichment for fourth-grade students in small groups – chess, cribbage or other math challenge. These students are excelling in math skills and would benefit from additional challenges. Volunteers are needed on weekdays between 8:45-9:30 am. Volunteers should have a strong interest in math and enjoy working with kids. Volunteers will enjoy building positive relationships with students, challenging great math thinkers. Orientation is provided for volunteers. Contact Sonia Dickrell at 320-529-6500 x6268 or Sonia.Dickrell@isd742.org.
Become a respite volunteer
Being a caregiver can become a very stressful undertaking, especially when the person receiving care has dementia or a debilitating illness. Great River Faith in Action is looking for caring volunteers who are willing to step in and help by visiting with an older adult for a few hours each week in the home. While the volunteer visits with the care receiver, the person responsible for care giving will have the opportunity to spend a few hours away from home to relax or do other things such as running errands. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop a relationship with a family as well as with the older adult. At the same time, you will be gaining valuable experience and meeting a very important need. Activities may include reading together, looking at photo albums, playing cards and games, or going for a walk or to places of interest. No physical or medical care is required. Contact Cherise, Great River Area Faith in Action, at 320-290-3428.
Toys for Tots needs your help
Be on the lookout for Toys for Tots drop boxes. Asking your child to pick out a toy for a less-privileged child is a wonderful holiday activity. Toys can be dropped off at 157 Roosevelt Road in St. Cloud from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and Wednesday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. or at numerous drop locations around the area. Help is needed with the distribution of toys. Volunteers must be over age 16. Distribution dates are Dec. 16, 18 and 23. Contact Chad, Catholic Charities Emergency Services, at 320-229-4560.
Holiday donation needs for the CROSS Center in Foley
The CROSS Center in Foley provides encouragement and assistance to residents of Benton County who are experiencing short-term difficulties in meeting their basic needs for food and clothing. The center is looking for donations of food, new toys, diapers and sponsors for family holiday gifts. Bring in your donations during open hours, Monday 1-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The CROSS Center is located at 150 Fourth Ave., Foley. Contact Carole, CROSS Center, at 320-320-968-7012.
Change a child’s life in the community
Big Brothers Big Sisters program is looking for mentors. Mentors in the community-based program provide friendship, emotional support and hope to young people with whom they are matched. This is a one-on-one volunteer opportunity to provide friendship and guidance to a child in Central Minnesota. The volunteer will meet with their Little three to four times a month for 12 months. Contact Rachel Bogenrief, Big Brothers Big Sisters, at 320-258-4535.
Help pour coffee
St. Scholastica Convent is the retirement and assisted-living facility for the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict. It’s located in St. Cloud near Highway 10, tucked behind St. Benedict’s Senior Community. They are in need of volunteers to help with pouring coffee at their 5 p.m. meals, Sunday through Monday. They offer a free meal to anyone who helps pour beverages. Contact Marina Schlangen OSB, volunteer coordinator, at 320-251-2225.
Help deliver packaged meals from kitchen to drivers
Volunteers are needed at CentraCare Health Plaza to help take carts filled with pre-packaged meals for delivery to clients from the new kitchen area on Lower Level of the Plaza up to Prairie East Entrance for pickup by the Home Delivered Meals driver volunteers. This is a great opportunity to do in conjunction with the Cancer Center or Plaza Attendant role if you are interested in a longer shift. Training will be provided. Contact Alison Dahlin, volunteer services at 320-255-5638.
Place of Hope holiday donation needs
Place of Hope is in need of donations for the holiday season. Needs include the following: gift cards, winter hats, coats and mittens, new gifts for children to give to their parents and siblings, backpacks, personal-care items, sponsors for Adopt a Family for Hope, food for meals served on site, $10 gift cards for food, diapers and teen gifts. Contact Pastor Carol, Place of Hope, at 320-203-7881.
Share your pet with others
Opportunity Matters, a local non-profit organization dedicated to working with individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges is searching for 4 legged volunteers – your pet! Their 4 legged volunteers are a very important part of their volunteer program by offering emotional support to the individual’s served. They are in need of furry friends to visit their day programs and residential sites to share the love and compassion only a pet can bring. Volunteer as your schedule allows (days or evenings) as often as you would like. Contact Brenda Eggerth, volunteer and communications manager, at 320-240-1900 ext. 205.
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way volunteer engagement coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org.
Miss Teen Stearns County search announced
Applications for the title of 2015 Miss Teen Stearns County are due by Wednesday, Dec. 31. Eligible women are ages 13-18 years, and have never been and aren’t currently married. Miss Teen Stearns County will represent her county at the Miss Teen Minnesota pageant, which will be held at Ritsche Auditorium, March 14, 2015 in St. Cloud. Participants will compete in personal interview, fitness wear, fun fashion wear and evening-gown competitions. Talent and swimsuit competition are not part of this contest. Those living in Stearns County interested in applying can find more information at www.missteenminnesota.com.
