August 2024 Newsletter

August 2024

Be Curious: Special Edition - Día de Los Muertos

No matter where we come from or what we look like, many of us honor family members who have passed on. We celebrate the legacy they have created in us. For many Latino Minnesotans, Dia de los Muertos is a holiday to gather and remember loved ones.

This year, Valley Outreach's annual fundraiser falls on Día de los Muertos, November 1, 2024. To show appreciation for Latino community members, we are incorporating traditional elements of Día de los Muertos and Latin American culture into this year's Vibrant event. You'll see those elements reflected in the program, food, music, Libation Station and even the Dessert Dash.

We encourage you to be curious and learn more about Latino Minnesotans and Día de los Muertos before the event!

An annual fundraiser to support the Valley Outreach mission is

November 1, 2024 at the JX Event Venue in Downtown Stillwater.

Interested in inviting your friends to join you at your table? Contact Debbie.Kanda@valleyoutreachmn.org to get a special link to send to your guests.

Learn More

FLASH SALE: Baby Clothes $5 Fill-A-Bag ALL MONTH LONG This September!

During the month of September, you can buy a brown paper StyleXchange bag and fill it with high-quality baby clothes for just $5!

This promotion is taking place ALL MONTH LONG! Stop in during our service hours to shop:

Monday / Tuesday: 10:00 – 4:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Wednesday / Friday Closed

Welcome, Angie and Dan!

Join us in welcoming Angie to the Valley Outreach team! Angie is passionate about helping those in need.

She comes to us with communication and analytical experience from working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis for 15 years. She also explored our public school system as a substitute paraprofessional. Welcome, Angie!

We're thrilled to announce that Dan Watson has joined the Valley Outreach team as our new Director of Programs! With extensive experience in youth, family, and community programs, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate, straightforward approach to our organization.

Dan's leadership, sense of humor, and dedication to continuous improvement will be invaluable as we continue to serve and support our community.

Calling All Student Volunteers: Join us at Valley Outreach!

Student volutneers are important to the fabric of community. (Don’t just take our word for it, U.S. News and World Report outlines all the benefits to both students and nonprofits.)

At Valley Outreach, helping people is at the heart of what we do. We provide food, clothing, and support to everyone who comes to us in need, and we’re looking for compassionate student volunteers to help us continue this important work. Is that you?

Learn More

Join Our Board of Directors!

We are seeking a diverse pool of candidates to Join Valley Outreach's Board. In particular, we seek individuals with one or more of the following:

• individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)

• individuals who identify as LGBTQ+

• individuals with a disability

• individuals with personal knowledge and experience in using basic needs support programs OR with professional expertise in the sector

• individuals with skills and professional expertise in areas that strengthen the board, particularly in human resources

Preference will be given to applicants who respond by September 15, 2024.

Learn More

Upcoming Closures

Valley Outreach will be closed on the following days during September:

·Labor Day: Monday, September 2

· Inventory Management: Thursday, September 26 Friday, September 27

Clothing donations will be closed September 16 - September27 to prepare for inventory.

Valley Outreach Quote

“The services offered at Valley Outreach have been so very beneficial. Because of the pandemic, our economic situation changed drastically. Thanks to your programs, we have what we need for our family. Thank you."

-Valley Outreach Client

Upcoming Volunteer Needs!

We are in need of Food Rescue Drivers! Volunteer shifts are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7am-11am, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-11:30am. Ready to drive change? Sign up today!