With a worldwide pandemic and nearly 250,000 deaths in the U.S. alone, we’re heading for a more somber, homebound holiday season. People have lost jobs and the isolation is causing a spike in mental health issues. Times are tough. 

It’s times like these when it’s important to come together as a community. Let’s be thankful for what we have and give back when we’re able. 

Nearby Opportunities

Here are a few ways you can help in the surrounding community:

• Neighbors, Inc.: This nonprofit in South St. Paul serves communities across Northern Dakota County by providing emergency services to low income families. Their food shelf serves more than 600 families every month and has shifted to a drive thru model during the pandemic. Their annual Walk to End Hunger on Thanksgiving morning will be virtual this year and is a great way to support their work.

• Ally Supportive Services: This West St. Paul organization helps people suffering homelessness here in Dakota County. They work with county services and police departments to connect with people who are homeless and offer resources, practical items like socks and hand warmers, and help getting whatever it is they need. They recently shared how helpful it can be to get small gift cards to fast food places to hand out, especially as cold weather sets in. Learn more about how you can help Ally Supportive Services.

• 360 Communities: This organization offers holistic services to keep families safe and stable. They work to prevent domestic and sexual violence and also provide food, clothing, and other resources for families. Their annual Fire and Ice fundraiser has gone virtual for 2020 and is coming up on November 13.

• Dodge Nature Center: Founded in West St. Paul in 1967, Dodge Nature Center is a vast nature preserve and education center in the midst of the city. Last month they launched their Nourishing Everyone’s Need for Nature campaign to raise $40 million to secure their future and expand their services over the next 50 years.

• Heroes and Helpers: Every year the West St. Paul Police Department and South Metro Fire Department participate in Heroes and Helpers, a program where first responders shop with local kids and buy holiday gifts for families that otherwise might not be able to afford presents. Here’s a look at last year’s photogenic event. Thanks to COVID-19, this year won’t have a single big shopping event—but they will still find a way to help families.

• Give to the Max Day: This annual charity drive supports Minnesota nonprofits and raised $21.6 million in 2019 for 5,610 organizations. There are often matching gifts that can multiply the impact of your donation. This year’s Give to the Max Day is Thursday, November 19. 

• Art Park: This isn’t exactly a way to help, but it’s something to be thankful for. You probably didn’t know West St. Paul had an art park, but they do—and it finally has some art. A year-long community effort secured a grant, and a mosaic column by St. Paul artist Lori Greene went up earlier this month. Drive by the intersection of Oakdale and Butler to see it and appreciate a splash of color.

• Every Meal: Every Meal’s mission is to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships, and their focus is the food gaps when children aren’t able to receive free and reduced meal programs.They currently provide weekend and other food gap programs serving over 10,000 children across more than 300 locations. They recently expanded into the West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Eagan school district and will be serving all area schools. So they are looking for community sponsors for those schools. 

• YMCA: The YMCA is for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. In addition to membership opportunities and in partnership with Every Meal, they have shelf stable food available outside their doors on a daily basis for anyone to stop by and pick up. They will also have fresh food available for pick up in the coming weeks. Look for details coming soon to the YMCA in West St. Paul Facebook page. Their annual Trivia Night, a fundraising event that supports the local community, is coming up on November 7, including a silent auction—register now. 

• DARTS: This organization supporting older adults needs volunteer Snow Angels through the winter. You or a team adopt a local senior for the winter, clearing their snow and providing a cheerful wave or quick conversation to an older adult staying in during the cold. Great exercise for a cause! Email Angela.Liedke@darts1.org to help out.

Thanks for Your Support

And we’d be remiss if we didn’t say thanks ourselves. Thank you to all the businesses and organizations that call Evolve Workplace home. We’re grateful to be the place where you get work done.