Newsletter

April 2025

What To Expect at Valley Outreach for Client Services

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a returning client, we want your experience at Valley Outreach to be smooth, supportive, and welcoming. Here’s a quick guide on what you can expect when coming in to shop for food.

Celebrating the Heart of Valley Outreach – Our Volunteers

Happy National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month — and here at Valley Outreach, we’re taking time to honor the people who make our work possible: our incredible volunteers.

Behind the scenes and on the front lines, volunteers power nearly every part of our work — and we couldn’t do it without them.

In 2024, more than 600 volunteers helped us serve over 31,900 individuals — a truly remarkable impact! Whether it’s stocking shelves, sorting clothing, helping with intake, or simply offering a smile, our volunteers bring warmth, care, and dedication to every task.

We see you. We appreciate you. And we’re so grateful.

Exciting News - We're Updating Our Building!

Valley Outreach will be under construction from April 21 through June 13, 2025 to improve our facility. We’re adding new signage and doors to make it easier for people to find us and access programs. While we’re thrilled about these updates, they will cause some temporary changes to our services.

Upcoming Closures and Modifications

Due to construction on the building, please be aware of upcoming closures and modifications.

StyleXchange & Clothing Donations:

Closed from April 21 to May 16.
We cannot accept clothing donations due to limited space.

Food Programs:

Temporary modifications from May 5 to June 13 –
To keep everyone safe during construction, we’ll have:
Fewer in-person shopping appointments.
Curbside food pick-up in the parking lot.

Scheduling:

Appointments will be limited, so please check the schedule regularly online.
Please don’t call — our ability to return calls will be limited during construction.

National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Hey, Stillwater residents! Keep an eye on your mailbox – the “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive is coming your way! Postal carriers will collect food donations on Saturday, May 10 to support Valley Outreach.

Cold Weather Rule Ends April 30

As temperatures rise, the Cold Weather Rule is coming to an end on April 30. This protection helps residential customers avoid heat shutoffs during the winter. Need help? Contact the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406 or consumer.puc@state.mn.us.

Valley Outreach Story

"We need more places like this everywhere. This place is a lifesaver. Thank you to everyone who works and volunteers here. I appreciate your constant smiles and for making me feel welcomed, without any shame about my situation. Your support has given me hope and reassured me that everything is going to be okay."

- Cindy, Google Reviewer

Intake Volunteers Needed!

Intake Volunteers are responsible for checking -in new and existing clients prior to receiving services. You will have the opportunity to provide the type of warm, welcoming first impression that communicates our commitment to our values of equity and inclusion. No experience necessary and fluency in Spanish or Karen languages is a plus!

Intake volunteers are need:

· Tuesday/Thursday: 1pm-4pm, 4-6:30pm

· Monday/Friday: 9-12:30pm

Click here to learn more about volunteering or to sign-up!

Thank you, Sponsors!

Andersen Windows

This month's featured sponsor is Andersen Windows! Their generosity helps us support the community.

Sponsor benefits include:

Recognition for your generosity in our newsletters, social media, and website.
Featured in signage at community events.
Customized opportunities to volunteer as a team in the food shelf or StyleXchange.
Gratitude for your spirit of generosity!

See our full list of sponsors here and join these generous partners today!