Christmas tree drop-off set Jan. 7
The Sartell Compost site will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 for the annual Christmas Tree Drop-Off event. There is no charge for this drop-off, but the city does request a non-perishable food-shelf donation to help restock the local food shelf after the holidays. Residents with a compost permit can also use this day to dispose of any last compost that didn’t get brought to the site at the end of the season.
CSB to host basketball matchup
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the College of St. Benedict will host women’s basketball with a match-up between CSB and Concordia-Moorhead. Tip-off starts at 7 p.m. with a halftime performance by the Rising Stars Gymnastics program out of Melrose. Show off your hometown spirit as the theme is “Community and Hometown Pride Day.” The match-up will take place at Claire Lynch Hall on the CSB campus.
Resource Training & Solutions to host hands-on kids day
More than 650 fifth- and sixth-grade students from area schools will have the opportunity to experience college and hands-on learning at the 2017 Science Rocks! event. This event takes place from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 at St. Cloud State University in the Wick Science Building, Brown Hall and the ISELF building. This conference is designed to introduce fifth- and sixth-grade students to a variety of science and nature topics through presentations and hands-on learning. Students have the opportunity to learn at four different sessions throughout the day. Sessions include topics such as “Survivor- Winter Edition,” “Furs, Fangs & Femurs” and “Jello-Roads.” All the sessions are taught by professionals in their fields including engineers, naturalists, nurses and mathematicians. This 11th annual event is co-sponsored by St. Cloud State University and Resource Training & Solutions. This event is coordinated by Sandra Cordie, director of educational programs at Resource Training & Solutions, a regional service agency serving school districts in Central Minnesota.
Red Cross encourages those able to donate this holiday season
As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter. Millions of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations. In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving. Donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients. As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
“Many of us celebrate this time of year with loved ones, but patients may spend the holidays and ring in the new year from a hospital room,” said Sue Thesenga of the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region. “Blood and platelet donors can bring joy to patients and their families by giving blood or platelets to help ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”
American Red Cross Blood Donation Center
St. Cloud Area Blood Donation Center
1301 W. St. Germain St.
Please check redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS for current blood donation center days and hours.
Place of Hope donation needs
Place of Hope is in need of the following items to help families in our community this holiday season. The needed list includes: teen gifts, backpacks, parent gifts, $10 gift cards, food donations, diapers, personal care items, new socks of all sizes, winter coats, hats and mittens, wrapping paper and tape. Volunteers can also sponsor a meal or Adopt a Family for Hope. Donations can be dropped off at Bremer Bank locations in St. Cloud. Contact Pastor Carol, Place of Hope at (320) 203-7881.
Anna Marie’s seeks gifts for teen boys
Anna Marie’s Alliance is looking for gifts to give to teen boys. Suggested items include gift cards, ear buds, hand held electronic games, socks, movies and more. Anna Marie’s Alliance is a domestic violence service providing help for people dealing with domestic abuse. Contact Kim, Anna Marie’s Alliance at 320-251-7203 ext. 210.