Three Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season in Linden Hills
You’re not imagining it: Everything is getting more expensive, from the cost of a box of cereal to the heating bills that just started rolling in. And across the Twin Cities, the organizations who help folks get back on their feet are reporting that the demand for help – in rental assistance, groceries, gas cards, and holiday toys and gifts – is higher than ever.
The Linden Hills Neighborhood Council has partnered with two such organizations – Camden Collective in North Minneapolis and Waite House in South Minneapolis – to put together two important drives this holiday season. We encourage all residents who are able to help – either through time or financial assistance – to give back through the below opportunities.
1. DONATE to the Camden Collective Coat Drive
For the third year in a row, LHiNC is hosting a coat drive to collect new or gently used coats, snowpants, hats, mittens and boots for individuals and families in North Minneapolis who have self-identified their need for winter gear.
OUR ASK: Please bring new or gently used (and in good condition) winter gear to the park building this Saturday, November 18 from 12-5pm.
A team of LHiNC board members will be on hand to collect and sort the items, then drop them off to Camden Collective.
2. VOLUNTEER at the Camden Collective Winter Festival
All donations from the LHiNC Coat Drive will be set up to allow folks to shop at Camden Collective’s Winter Festival on Saturday, Dec 9. Winter Festival is an incredibly fun and rewarding day, as hundreds of folks gather for activities, snacks and refreshments, a visit to Santa – and to collect the gear they’ll need to stay warm this winter!
OUR ASK: More than 40 volunteers are needed to help with the Winter Festival, and Spanish-speaking volunteers are in especially high demand. Please sign up to volunteer at the Winter Festival here.
3. DONATE toys, food and hygiene items to Waite House
LHiNC is again partnering with St. Thomas the Apostle and Waite House for a Holiday Food and Toy Drive on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17. Collected donations will be delivered to and distributed by Waite House in South Minneapolis.
OUR ASK: Please bring donations of: food, hygiene items (see list below), and NEW, UNWRAPPED toys for ages 0-15 years old to the St. Thomas the Apostle parking lot on Saturday, Dec 16 from 10am-5pm, and Dec 17 from 10am-4pm.
Volunteers from LHiNC, St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Saint’s Men’s Club and Carondelet Catholic School will be on hand to collect donations. A large container to collect and distribute the items has been generously donated by Big Blue Boxes.
Please email info@lindenhills.org if you’d like to volunteer to collect donations.
NEEDED FOOD & HYGIENE ITEMS
Food Items (new and unopened):
- Olive oil and vegetable oil
- Flour, sugar – 4# bags or smaller
- Meat soups
- Chili with meat
- Canned chicken, tuna or salmon
- Canned fruit, in light syrup or own juice
- Rice
- Pasta
- Assorted canned vegetables
- Diced tomatoes
- Coffee in small bags
- Whole grain cereals
- Old fashioned oats, instant oatmeal packets
- Jelly and jam
- Peanut butter
- 100% fruit juice
Hygiene items (new and unopened):
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Bar soap
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Deodorant
- Razors and shaving cream
- Feminine products
- Toilet paper, facial tissues
- Dish soap – small bottles
- Laundry soap
The generous spirit of neighbors like you is what makes Linden Hills such a special place. If you find yourself with an abundance of time, money or other resources this holiday season, please consider giving back to the greater Minneapolis community through the coat drive, food and toy drive, or by volunteering your time at Camden Collective. Thank you!
