OUR 10th ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER ON 10-10-2020 WILL START WITH A 10-DAY COUNTDOWN ON OCTOBER 1
2020 marks 10 years of service for FOCUS Minnesota. Thanks be to God! We've planned a 10-day virtual celebration that will culminate on Saturday, October 10, 2020. With the theme The Power of Ten, here's how you can get ready to join the party!
• LIKE our Facebook page. Beginning October 1, we'll offer posts about our 10-year impact on individuals and the community.
• SHARE this newsletter with friends who are new to FOCUS, and invite them to sign up to get it by scrolling to the bottom of our home page. During the 10-day countdown, they'll receive informative briefs about FOCUS Minnesota.
• REFLECT on how you're able to support FOCUS Minnesota financially. All levels of giving will help us reach our $30,000 goal.
UPDATE: MILLE LACS BAND OF OJIBWE MISSION TRIP
Our second mission trip to Onamia, MN, in support of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe departs on October 17th, and we are announcing a drive for some specific items:
• Diapers and wipes for the Onamia Head Start.
• Children's jackets and outerwear (new and gently used) for infants through high schoolers.
• *Supplies for housewarming kits, specifically:
- Dish Sets (plates, bowls, glassware, mugs)
- Cutlery Sets
- Cooking and Baking Utensils
- Pots and Pans
*On our previous visit to the shelter, we learned about many obstacles women face when leaving the shelter, including financial and logistical challenges associated with obtaining basic kitchen items. It can cost hundreds of dollars to stock a kitchen with pots, pans, utensils and dishes, and due to the remote location, there are few low-cost options. Your gifts, new or used and in good condition, are especially appreciated!
DONATE: Now through October 9. Contact us to arrange a drop-off time (651-222-0712 or focustwincities@gmail.com).
SORT & PACK: If you're available on Monday, October 12, please contact program manager Courtney Shaw, courtneyshaw349@gmail.com to volunteer.
WE NEED YOU!
We are grateful for all who serve beside us, both seasoned and new volunteers at FOCUS Minnesota. Here's a synopsis of current activities and opportunities to help. Contact us if something piques your interest, focustwincities@gmail.com or 651-222-0712.
Front Desk Receptionist: Needed daily from 10am-2pm
We are in need of a few volunteers answer the phone and take messages, let people into the building and direct them to where they need to go, answer questions about our programming, and perhaps make inquiries for us or confirm Clothes Closet appointments. Hours can be shared.
Food Shelf: Open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 10-11:30am
Occasional help is needed stocking shelves, filling bags of staples for distribution, dividing large quantities into smaller bags for distribution, picking up food, etc.
Bag Lunch Distribution: Mondays and Thursdays, 11:30am-12:30pm
Volunteers are needed to make sandwiches and pack bags on Thursdays from 10am-12pm. Additional help is needed to distribute and/or deliver lunches to various youth partners and neighbors in need on Mondays and Thursdays.
Clothes Closet: Operating by appointment only
Volunteers needed to meet with clients one-on-one, with masks. At this time we are only accepting winter wear for men, women and children including coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens. Please donate all other clothing to other organizations.
Takeout Sunday Dinners: Served most Sundays, 5-7pm
Groups prepare and bring the meal to FOCUS where it is put in to-go containers and distributed. We are scheduling through 2020.
Organize a collection in your parish or neighborhood
We would be honored if you organized a collection on your own. Items in need:
- Winter Outerwear for Men, Women and Children
- New Socks and Underwear for Adults or Kids
- Household Items for Onamia Mission Trip (see above)
- Diapers and Wipes
- School Supplies - crayons, markers, No. 2 pencils, ink pens, spiral bound paper, construction paper
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced it has begun a nationwide search for qualified candidates for appointment to the initial Board of Directors of a not-for-profit entity to be formed and known as the “Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation.”