June 2018 - Twin Cities 

 
Festival of Giving
Doing Good Together

Date/Time: Sunday, September 30, Noon to 4pm

Location: Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis
 
SAVE THE DATE for our one-of-a-kind Festival of Giving, featuring service projects for your family to complete as well as fun activities promoting charitable giving, social action, environmental awareness and more. Enjoy multi-cultural performances, fair food, and a giant kindness art installation you can be part of. Don't miss this chance for your family to celebrate generosity, kindness, and giving back. 

Ages: Fun for the whole family! All ages welcome!

Time Commitment: Come for as long as you'd like, between noon and 4pm.

Contact: Tickets will be available beginning July 1. If you have questions or would like to get information about sponsoring this unique event, contact Jenny (jenny@doinggoodtogether.org)
www.doinggoodtogether.org

 
2018 Twin Cities Tour de Cure
American Diabetes Association - MN Area
 
Date/Time: Various shift times for setup on Friday, June 1 between noon and 9pm, or various shift times for event day on Saturday, June 2, between 5am and 4:30pm
 
Location: Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis

Want to help stop diabetes as a family? Join us at the 2018 Twin Cities Tour de Cure on June 2nd, starting/ending at our NEW Boom Island location! 2,200 participants will choose from one of six cycling route options (10, 18, 26, 45, 62 or 100 miles) or 5K run/walk or 10K run/walk/hike. The routes are well-marked, there are safety marshals and safety vehicles, fully stocked rest stops and more. Participants are invited to enjoy free lunch, live entertainment, and complimentary massages at the finish! All proceeds from this event benefit the American Diabetes Association's important mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Volunteers will receive an event volunteer t-shirt, free lunch, and are welcome to enjoy the live entertainment, vendor village and Youth Zone. The event will be held rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.
 
Ages: Families with children of all ages are welcome to participate as cyclists or walker/runners. Family-friendly volunteer opportunities include cheering on the route, set up/take down and the Youth Zone activities. Volunteers age 16 or older can volunteer on their own.
 
Time Commitment: Two to five hours
 
Contact: Janeece Oatman, joatman@diabetes.org or 763.593.5333 ext. 6784. Click here to register as a race participant. Volunteer registration is available online.
www.diabetes.org/minnesota
 
 
Backpack Builds
Twin Cities Kids In Need Resource Center (TCKINRC)
 
Date/Time: Flexible; Monday- Friday morning or afternoon, Saturday mornings
 
Location: 2719 Patton Rd., Roseville

The Twin Cities Kids In Need Resource Center provides students most in need with free school supplies that make it possible for them to fully participate in classroom learning. Operating as a free store for teachers serving eligible area schools, the TCKINRC provides much needed supplies to their students for learning and excelling in the classroom. We are in need of families and groups to help us build backpacks for students most in need around the US. We fill backpacks with 11 core supplies and ship them out to schools to benefit their students. All students deserve the supplies they need to excel in school and we need the help of volunteers to ensure this!

Ages: Families with children ages five and up are welcome to volunteer
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: Brittany Swanson, brittanys@kinf.org
 
 
Summer Meal Program 2018
Neighbors, Inc.
 
Date/Time: Various weekday breakfast and lunchtime shifts in June, July or August
 
Location(s):
  • Henry Sibley High School, 1897 Delaware Ave, West St. Paul
  • Moreland Elementary School, 217 W Moreland Ave, West St. Paul
  • Garlough Elementary School, 1740 Charlton St, West St Paul
  • Inver Grove Heights Middle School, 8167 Cahill Ave E, Inver Grove Heights
  • Kaposia Elementary Education Center, 1225 1st Ave S, South St. Paul 
  • South Saint Paul High School, 700 2nd Street N, South Saint Paul
Children need proper nutrition to learn and stay active. Volunteers are needed to serve breakfasts and lunches to students attending summer school. This is a perfect service opportunity for workplaces, churches, community groups, families, and individuals looking for fun opportunities to help their community. Volunteers serve meals to students and encourage students to take milk and other required food items; minimal food preparation is sometimes required with supervision from school kitchen staff. Your support will provide students a healthy meal to get them through their day!
 
Ages: Minimum age is 10. Volunteers 10-13 years old need to be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers aged 14 - 17 may volunteer without a parent or guardian but will need a completed consent form prior to volunteering.
 
Time Commitment: Between two to three hours per shift
 
Contact: Scott, 651.272.1136 or scott@neighborsmn.org. Registration is available online.
www.neighborsmn.org
 
 
St. Paul Tree Planting
Tree Trust
 
Date/Time: Thursday, June 7, 4 - 7pm
 
Location: Hidden Falls Regional Park, 1313 Hidden Falls Dr., St. Paul

Hundreds of people volunteer every spring and fall to plant trees with Tree Trust. We provide hands-on training at every event, so no experience is required to volunteer at our plantings. Volunteers are needed to help reforest a section of Hidden Falls Regional Park.

Ages: All ages are welcome to participate.
 
Time Commitment: Three hours
 
Contact: Jessica Talley, Jessica.talley@treetrust.org. Registration is available online.
www.treetrust.org
 
 
Native Prairie Planting at Cherokee Park
Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR)
 
Date/Time: Saturday, June 9, 9 - 11am
 
Location: Cherokee Regional Park, St Paul. Registrants will receive detailed directions to the worksite from FMR

Join FMR staff and volunteers for our first public restoration event at Cherokee Regional Park - one of St. Paul's most visited parks. We will begin work needed to restore this historic oak savanna and maple-basswood forested bluff-top park by planting a mix of native prairie plants. These showy flowers and grasses will not only beautify the park but provide much-needed bee, butterfly, and bird habitat. And, with deep root systems that act like filters, they'll help reduce the amount of run-off pollution and secure the soil along the bluff. No experience is necessary; all tools and training will be provided.

Ages: Families with children ages five and older are welcome. Younger children may attend as long as a parent or guardian supervises children to be sure they are focused on pulling the correct plants and staying on task.
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under "Category") or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651.222.2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. You will receive a confirmation email from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your SPAM folder.) Registration is required and capacity is limited.
www.fmr.org
 
 
Serve and Prepare Food
House of Charity
 
Date/Time(s):
Weekdays:
  • Breakfast; 7 - 9am
  • Lunch Shift 1; 10:30 - 11:30am
  • Lunch Shift 2; noon -1pm
  • General Prep; 2 - 4pm
  • Dinner Shift; 4 - 6pm
Weekends:
  • 9am - noon
  • 4 - 6pm
Location: 714 Park Ave, Minneapolis

The mission of the House of Charity is to feed those in need, house those experiencing homelessness, and empower individuals to achieve independence by transforming lives one person at a time. Every day of the year the Food Centre serves a hot, free, nutritious meal to over 350 men, women, and children. With a small kitchen staff, we rely heavily on volunteers to assist us in preparing and serving our meals each day. Volunteers, on a given week, make up 60-80% of our daily staff. Volunteers are needed to:
  • Serve food to community members
  • Prepare food for the next day/week
  • Organize food storage spaces
As an industrial kitchen can provide potential hazards during a volunteer shift, House of Charity asks volunteers to follow the following policies:
  • Wear close-toed shoes to your shift
  • Wear long hair back in a pony-tail to fit in hair-net. House of Charity will provide hairnets, gloves, and aprons
  • Inform the volunteer supervisor if you have serious food allergies: 
Ages: Families with children age nine or older are welcome to volunteer.
 
Time Commitment: One to two-hour shifts
 
Contact: Nicole Laumer, 612.436.2050, n.laumer@houseofcharity.org. Registration is available online.
 
 
Seeding a New Park
Great River Greening
 
Date/Time: Saturday, June 9, 8:30am - 12:30pm
 
Location: Doyle-Kennefick, 235 St. East, Elko New Market

Doyle-Kennefick is a planned regional park located in Central Scott County between St. Catherine and Lennon Lakes. Volunteers are needed to help transform the 1860s homestead from farmland into prairie and restore existing savannah by planting native shrubs, releasing milkweed seeds through a "podcast," and busting buckthorn. This future park is currently in the acquisition and stewardship phase. Once fully acquired, it will include 1,139 acres of striking landscape including native hardwood forest, oak savanna, prairie, and pristine wetlands scattered across a rolling glacial topography. Planned amenities include a nature center/outdoor discovery center, 13 miles of hiking and nature trails, 8 miles of bike trails, picnic shelter, trail head, and renovation and re-use of farmstead structures.
 
Ages: All ages are welcome; children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult.
 
Time Commitment: Four hours
 
Contact: volunteer@greatrivergreening.org, 651.272.3989. Registration is available online.
www.greatrivergreening.org
 
 
Remove Buckthorn Near the Vermillion River's South Creek
Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR)
 
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 12, 6 - 8pm
 
Location: South Creek, Farmington. Registrants will receive detailed directions to the worksite from FMR.

Located in Farmington, South Creek feeds the Vermillion River, a cold prairie river flowing through the heart of Dakota County and an important tributary of the Mississippi River. Volunteers are needed to help remove buckthorn and other invading trees and shrubs, or to haul brush to a pick-up spot. Buckthorn is extremely hardy and able to thrive in a variety of soil and light conditions. It out-competes native plant species that are vital for increased habitat and biodiversity. All supplies and training will be provided and volunteers will work closely with FMR staff.

Ages: Families with children ages five and older are welcome. Younger children may attend as long as a parent or guardian supervises children to be sure they are focused on pulling the correct plants and staying on task.
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under "Category") or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651.222.2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. You will receive a confirmation email from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your SPAM folder.) Registration is required and capacity is limited.
www.fmr.org
 
 
Summer Treat Packs
The Link
 
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 13, 10 - 11am
 
Location: 1210 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis

Help The Link's families kick off the summer with a kit of summery fun items. Volunteers will bring items from the signup list to assemble kits and make fun treats for The Link's families .
 
Ages: This is a great opportunity for families with children of all ages.

Time Commitment: One hour
 
Contact:  Lauren Matykowski, Volunteer Manager, volunteer@thelinkmn.org, 612.767.4487. Registration is available online.
https://thelinkmn.org/
 
 
Tend the Demonstration Pollinator Garden at Camel's Hump Park
Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR)
 
Date/Time: Thursday, June 14, 6 - 8pm
 
Location: Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, Cottage Grove. Registrants will receive detailed directions to the worksite from FMR.

Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, located in Cottage Grove, is home to beautiful river views overlooking Highway 61. Join FMR for this summer worknight in the park as we return to this stunning site to tend to previously planted pollinator patch gardens. These patches provide much-needed concentrated habitat and resources for local birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators as well as help beautify this park. All tools and training will be provided and volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level.

Ages: Families with children ages five and older are welcome. Younger children may attend as long as a parent or guardian supervises children to be sure they are focused on pulling the correct plants and staying on task.
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact: To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under "Category") or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651.222.2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. You will receive a confirmation email from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your SPAM folder.) Registration is required and capacity is limited.
www.fmr.org
 
 
Summer Time Garden Helpers needed for Seniors
HOME Program of Senior Community Services (SCS)
 
Date/Time: You choose the time that works best for your family!
 
Location: Exact location TBD in Minneapolis or suburban Hennepin County, depends upon where the senior lives. We can match you with a senior near you! 

Volunteer as a family. SCS has numerous requests for help in the garden with weeding and basic maintenance throughout Hennepin County including Minneapolis.
 
Ages: Families with children ages seven and older. Volunteer once or adopt a senior's yard and help throughout the summer.
 
Time Commitment: Varies
 
Contact: scsvolunteer@seniorcommunity.org or call 952.767.7894
www.seniorcommunity.org
 
 
The Link
4th of July Treat Packing
 
Date/Time: Thursday, June 28, 1 - 3pm
 
Location: 1210 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis

Help youth in our programs celebrate the 4th of July holiday by making celebratory treats and bringing food for them to enjoy during the holiday week. Volunteers will be making sparkler pretzel rods, flag fruit kabobs, and red, white and blue Rice Krispy treats! You will select which items you're going to bring when you sign up to volunteer.
 
Ages: This is a great opportunity for families with children of all ages.
 
Time Commitment: Two hours
 
Contact:  Lauren Matykowski, Volunteer Manager, volunteer@thelinkmn.org, 612.767.4487. Registration is available online.
https://thelinkmn.org/

 
Tonka Mud Run
Many Hands Many Meals
 
Date/Time: Saturday, July 14. Volunteer shifts are between 7am - 1:30pm, depending on the activity. Volunteers are also needed to help with set-up on Friday from 10am - 8pm
 
Location: Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, 6900 Hazeltine Blvd, Chanhassen
 
Many Hands Many Meals is a volunteer-driven organization committed to inspiring, engaging, and educating people, starting with our children, by packaging life-saving meals that ease world hunger. The Tonka Mud Run was conceived and developed by a small group of dedicated volunteers. Their enthusiasm led to the creation of this family-friendly mud run that encourages family fun and fitness, highlights local businesses and parks, and supports Many Hands Many Meals. Every year we need hundreds of volunteers for all aspects of the event. Families can volunteer at the Tonka Mud Run in a variety of ways:
 
Obstacle Monitor: This is a very popular day of event volunteer position. Usually a family or couple of friends cheer on runners at each obstacle and then point them towards the next one. Volunteers are needed for the Mini-Tonka Mud Run or the 3.5-mile mud run.
Goody Bag & Packet Prep: We have openings for goody bag stuffers & racer packet prep along with packet pick up (all air conditioned!).  
Day of Event Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to help with registration, water stations & refreshments, bounce house monitors, mud crushers, traffic, set up, clean up and many more opportunities to get involved. See the full list of volunteer opportunities here.
 
Ages: Everyone is welcome. Many Hands Many Meals is all about bringing families and communities together to serve the greater good.
 
Time Commitment: Varies, depending on volunteer activity
 
Contact: Julie Kiefer, tonkamudrun@mh-mm.org. Sign-up for volunteer shifts online.
www.tonkamudrun4.mh-mm.org/www.mh-mm.org/

 
 
Special Needs Summer Camp Volunteers
True Friends at Camp Courage
 
Date/Time: Sunday, August 5 - Wednesday, August 15
 
Location: Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN

Families up to 7 members will assist adults with physical disabilities and camp staff for a week of fun at camp. Activities include: pontoon-ing, crafting, adapted high ropes course, archery, recreational games, campfires, s'mores making (and eating) and so much more. Volunteers directly support True Friends' mission: "Provide life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities."

Ages: Families with children ages five and older. Adults must provide supervision for those under 18. Onsite housing and meals are provided.
 
Time Commitment: Ten days; meals and housing provided
 
Contact: Amanda Sorell, amandas@truefriends.org, 952.697.2295
www.truefriends.org/volunteer

 
Special Needs Day Camp Volunteers
True Friends at Camp Eden Wood
 
Date/Time: Choose a week, 8am - 5pm daily: June 4-8, June 11-15, June 18-21, June 25-29, July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-August 3, August 6-9
 
Location: Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie

Two to three volunteers per week are needed to assist adults and children with developmental and/or physical disabilities for a week of fun at camp. Activities include: crafting, high ropes course, archery, recreational games, campfires, s'mores making (and eating), off-site trips to local attractions and so much more. Volunteers directly support True Friends' mission: "Provide life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities."

Ages: 16 and older with parent/guardian.
 
Time Commitment: One week; lunch provided each day
 
Contact:  Amanda Sorell, amandas@truefriends.org, 952.697.2295
www.truefriends.org/volunteer
 
 
World's Largest Toy Battle for Bullying Prevention
Project My Neighborhood
 
Date/Time: Saturday, June 30, 9am - 6pm
 
Location: East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury (Soccer fields)

Project My Neighborhood is a nonprofit that raises funds for bullying prevention. We work with schools, churches, and communities. We are attempting to set the Guinness World Record for Largest Toy Battle in Woodbury, and the proceeds for our event are going to the creation and launch of our bullying prevention app. During this event participants will use foam Nerf Blasters in a series of games that reinforce our core values of inclusion, outreach, team building, and health & wellness. To help the event run smoothly we need a number of volunteers to help set up the inflatable barriers, help with registration, chaperone for world record compliance, and help with take down at the end of the event.

Ages: Families with children ages 5 and older are welcome to participate in the event. Volunteers must be over 14 with a parent or guardian.
 
Time Commitment: Three, six or nine hours
 
Contact:  Matt Nelson, 612.735.5966
www.projectmyneighborhood.org
 
 
Make this a Summer of Kindness with DGT's Summer Bucket List
Doing Good Together
 
Date/Time: All summer long
 
Location: Your home or community
 
Print and post one or both of DGT's two innovative  Summer of Kindness bucket lists. These creative kindness projects will keep your family making big-hearted memories all summer long. 

Ages: Preschool to teen
 
Time Commitment: 15 minutes to 1 hour per week depending upon the activities you choose to complete.
 
Contact: mail@doinggoodtogether.org
 

Make this a summer of new experiences!


Whether you're staying close to home or traveling to faraway places, there's opportunity for big-hearted family discussions wherever you go. Download DGT's popular Road Trip Conversation Starters and other road trip resources today:
https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/blog/road-trip-kindness
 
 

 

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This list was compiled by Doing Good Together™ (www.doinggoodtogether.org)
 When calling to volunteer for any of the opportunities listed above, please let the coordinator know you found it through this listing. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have of the sponsoring organization before committing to a project.
Disclaimer: This list is provided as a service to families. Inclusion of organizations in this listing does not imply affiliation, endorsement or quality assurance on the part of Doing Good Together.™ Doing Good Together™ bears no responsibility whatsoever for the activities and actions of the listed organizations. 
                                                                            

                                                                                                     © 2018 Doing Good Together™