Are you hoping to create meaningful bonds and support those in need with your group? Here are five places in the Twin Cities where groups can make a difference together.
Ronald McDonald House Twin Cities
There are three Ronald McDonald houses in the Twin Cities that provide housing, lodging, meals, schooling and activities to families who have children in health crisis.
Through Cooks for Kids groups can volunteer to purchase, prepare and serve a meal to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Groups can make and serve dinners any night of the week and brunch on weekends.
For other volunteer opportunities, interested individuals can complete an application and attend an orientation session. An application process is not needed for the Cooks for Kids program.
Get Connected: rmhtwincities.org
The Simpson House
Committed to ending chronic homelessness, the Simpson House provides emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness and helps single women and families with children find long-term housing. This Minneapolis-based nonprofit also provides informational and advocacy training for those seeking to help those experiencing homelessness.
Volunteers can put together gift baskets for women moving from homelessness to housing, collect diapers for under-resourced families, tutor children in reading, provide meals for the homeless shelter and much more. A volunteer application and a full list of opportunities are available on the organization’s website.
Get Connected: simpsonhousing.org
RESOURCE
This organization wants to help people realize their potential and step into their dreams. Towards this goal, they work to provide employment support services and services to low income-adults including veterans, teen parents, welfare recipients and those with disabilities. RESOURCE also focuses on assisting those with mental illnesses and chemical addictions.
Groups who are interested in volunteering can help job seekers gain skills by providing mock interviews, critiquing resumes or holding a workshop about job search topics. Alternatively, groups can plan, buy and prepare a meal for some of RESOURCE’s evening programs that help single mothers, young dads and mothers recovering from chemical dependency.
For an off-site project, organizations can also collect personal hygiene items or job seeking supplies. Groups can contact the organization on their website to receive more information about specific opportunities.
Get Connected: resource-mn.org
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a well-known organization working to eliminate poverty housing and give low-income families a home.
Corporate and businesses can work with Habitat for Humanity through three programs. Through A Brush With Kindness, volunteer groups can help low-income homeowners make repairs and maintain their homes. Groups can also assist with a variety of tasks at the Restore, which sells discount building materials. All proceeds from the Restore benefit the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, groups can volunteer to build homes for hard-working, low-income families.
Get Connected: tchabitat.org
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Children’s is a not-for-profit organization that has been providing pediatric care since 1924 to children facing a variety of health struggles.
Corporate volunteers can assist by providing snacks and beverages for families during their stay at Children’s, host a seasonal party for patients and their families, assemble activity packets for patients and siblings or hold a drive for items on the Children’s wish list.
Get Connected: childrensmn.org
