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In The News

Day of Action offers chance to help others

Original Source: SCTimes

By Kirsti Marohn

From making blankets for emergency room patients to building furniture for people moving out of homeless shelters, nearly 200 people will be doing their part to help others at St. Cloud's Lake George on Thursday.

The United Way of Central Minnesota's Day of Action is a chance for volunteers to help out with a variety of projects all in one place.

"It's really opportunities for families, groups, businesses, individuals and people of all ages to come together and volunteer," said Mary Krippner, volunteer engagement coordinator for the United Way.

In past years, the local nonprofit has sponsored events tied to the United Way Worldwide Day of Action, including a community baby shower. But this is the first year where the nonprofit has managed multiple different community projects, each for a different cause, Krippner said.

Projects include:

  • Beautifying Munsinger and Clemens gardens and the Lake George area.
  • Assembling furniture or painting a canvas for people experiencing homelessness or moving into transitional housing.
  • Making tie blankets for children and youth experiencing homelessness and for children who have been patients at St. Cloud Hospital's Emergency Trauma Center.
  • Decorating placemats for Catholic Charities' senior dining program.
  • Making thank-you cards for veterans at the VA Health Care System.
  • Packaging birthday bags and literacy kits for children.
  • Marking city storm drains to prevent dumping that causes water pollution.

United Way officials are expecting about 175 volunteers. Many of the projects already have filled, but there are still some opportunities available, Krippner said. To register to volunteer, go to www.unitedwayhelps.org.

There also will be a food drive to collect donations for local children and youth. Food shelf use increases during summer, when families aren't able to rely on the hot meals children receive in school. Suggested items include Kraft Easy Mac, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, canned soup and cereal.

Day of Action will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lake George Municipal Complex. The United Way hopes to continue the event every year, Krippner said.

"It's just a great way to make a difference in our community by taking action," she said.