February 2021 | Newsletter
More than Food: Access to Resources
First impressions are important. It can be difficult to ask for help and we want to alleviate concerns about doing so - as much as possible - when we first connect with people who come to us in need. One of the first things people receive when they come to Valley Outreach is a letter from our team. We outline our services and share other resources that many may find helpful.

Below is an excerpt from the introduction:

"Everyone needs help sometimes. You are not alone. We serve anyone in need of food or clothing, and we have plenty to offer. If you are new to Valley Outreach, please know that our drive-up service model is different from our usual programming. In response to COVID-19, we’re asking everyone to follow CDC and state social distancing guidelines and stay six feet apart from each other and wear masks. Need a mask? No problem. Just ask and we’ll provide one.

We are here to help, please let our team know if you have any questions. We know systems for support can be complicated. We understand them and help you navigate them!

You can also call 651-430-2739 if you have questions or need help accessing other resources. Leave a message with your name, number, and a member of the team will call you back when they receive your
message.

Thank you for coming today.

- The Valley Outreach team"

We strive to be a welcoming and safe place to come for help. Read our full letter.
Volunteer with Valley Outreach
Our volunteers work hard no matter the weather - and we are incredibly grateful for that (brr!) Looking for a way to help the community? We're in need of volunteers!

If you are a new volunteer to Valley Outreach, please fill out our brief online application. If you are a current volunteer, please sign-up for a shift using the Volunteer Sign-In link on the top of our website.
Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign 2021
We are once again participating in the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign! As with most things in the last 12 months - this year will look a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We invite you to host a food or fund drive, with your group, family, co-workers, or network (safely, following CDC guidelines, of course.)
 
Ideas to support the 2021 Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign:
  • New this year! We are accepting kits and encourage your drive to highlight our kit recommendations. See our website for ideas.
  • Get creative with your food or fund drive:
  • Decorate your collection boxes and bins. (We are unable to lend our usual tubs and cash boxes for collection this year.)
  • Set up an online fundraiser through GiveMN.org instead of collecting cash or checks. It’s easy to set-up and a fun way to track donations for your fundraiser! 
  • Donation delivery: Bring your donations (food and funds) to Valley Outreach during our drive up donation hours, Monday and Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m.
 
The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign runs March 1 – March 31, 2021. If you have questions or need additional information, please email caleb.mingus@valleyoutreachmn.org.
Buy Beer to Support Valley Outreach!
This March, Lift Bridge Brewing Company is selling a special beer to commemorate International Women's Day with a portion of sales donated to Valley Outreach. In addition to buying, "Free the Bibs", a crisp and clean German wheat beer brewed with blood orange crafted by the women of Lift Bridge, you can also donate directly to Valley Outreach. We are collecting women's personal hygiene products - all sizes and brands of tampons and maxi-pads - to support this event. These products are expensive and fill a basic, personal need for women from middle-school to well into their forties.

Reserve your beer on the Free the Bibs Presale page.
Let's Make It Better. Together.
" Valley Outreach is important to me because it is a place to go where there is no judgment. Because after you take care of all your household expenses, sometimes you just need a little help."

- An anonymous client comment
COVID-19 Response Update
Is your building open to the public yet? No. We're continuing to focus on distributing food through our drive-up service model and providing phone support right now. We're also accepting food, clothing, and financial donations through a drive-up model on Monday and Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Our team is looking toward the future and developing plans to reopen when we can do so in the safest manner possible for our clients, donors, volunteers and staff.
Are you accepting donations? Yes. We're accepting clothing, food and financial donations through a drive-up, no-contact model on Monday and Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. We're also accepting financial donations online and via the mail.
Do you need volunteers? Yes, please! Check out our website for more details. We'll be adding more volunteer opportunities regularly.
Drive-up Service Hours
M/W/F - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
T/Th - 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Drive-up Donation Hours
M/W - noon to 3 p.m.
Valley Outreach
1911 Curve Crest Blvd. West
Stillwater, Minnesota 55082

Call Us: 651-430-2739