Community Connections = Ways You Can Help!
Brad and Amber are now doing Community Connections on
the second Saturday of each month. Check back each month for ideas on how you can love and serve your neighbor.
April 2021
Link to video: https://fb.watch/5h7ofSNnEg/
Loaves & Fishes --Olive Branch (218) 728 0629; Dorothy Day House (218) 724 2054
Current Needs:
LifeHouse
CHUM
Damiano Center
Housewares Needed:
Current Needs:
- Laundry detergent (HE or powder, large containers preferred)
- Dish detergent
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Sleeping bags and tarps (camo tarps preferred, for our many friends sleeping on the street or in the woods)
- Gift cards for area gas stations ($20 preferred, to aid people sleeping in their cars or needing transportation to work)
- People with trucks or large vans to be on call to occasionally help someone move into a new apartment
- House duty volunteers at Olive
- Branch or Dorothy Day House (this requires training, as well as a willingness to answer phones and make referrals, do light housework and some food prep, and treat people who come to the house with dignity and a spirit of welcome)
LifeHouse
- Joggers/sweatpants for men (all sizes)
- Underwear for men and women
CHUM
- Tents, sleeping bags, tarps
- Non perishable foods such as Beef stew, chicken, tuna & baked beans, cereal and canned fruits
Damiano Center
Housewares Needed:
- GENTLY used pots and pans.
March 2021
Link to video: https://www.facebook.com/495678053824196/videos/911420836275094
Loaves & Fishes
Note From Amber: Loaves & Fishes is a great way to engage your children in community service. Call Olive Branch or Dorothy Day House to find out a good time to drop off a prepared meal or dessert for residents. Talk to your kids about what they would like to make residents and cook together for them! Last month Adelaide made a homemade cake & I drove her down to Loaves & Fishes to drop it off. She had fun and the residents loved the cake...a win-win that is hands on and helps kids think about others.
Current Supply Needs:
Life House
We still can use clothes that help with layering:
CHUM
This month CHUM is focusing on its food shelf. In March, they can get a match for each donation made, and they are able to make their dollars go a lot further than we can at the grocery store. Consider donating online at chumduluth.org.
Otherwise, non-perishable food items that they need are:
Damiano Center
No immediate needs this month. Ongoing, they will take:
Housewares Needed:
Clothing Items Needed:
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel needs winter gear:
Safe Haven
Safe Haven continues to need:
Loaves & Fishes
Note From Amber: Loaves & Fishes is a great way to engage your children in community service. Call Olive Branch or Dorothy Day House to find out a good time to drop off a prepared meal or dessert for residents. Talk to your kids about what they would like to make residents and cook together for them! Last month Adelaide made a homemade cake & I drove her down to Loaves & Fishes to drop it off. She had fun and the residents loved the cake...a win-win that is hands on and helps kids think about others.
- Olive Branch (218) 728 0629
- Dorothy Day House (218) 724 2054
Current Supply Needs:
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- Q-Tips
- African Heritage hair care products
- Visit their website (duluthcatholicwork.wixsite.com/loavesandfishes) for ongoing needs, which include food and cleaning/maintenance items
- People with trucks or large vans to be on call to occasionally help someone move into a new apartment
- House duty volunteers at Olive Branch or Dorothy Day House (this requires training, as well as a willingness to answer phones and make referrals, do light housework and some food prep, and treat people who come to the house with dignity and a spirit of welcome)
Life House
We still can use clothes that help with layering:
- joggers/sweatpants for men (all sizes)
- Leggings
- Men's and women's underwear
CHUM
This month CHUM is focusing on its food shelf. In March, they can get a match for each donation made, and they are able to make their dollars go a lot further than we can at the grocery store. Consider donating online at chumduluth.org.
Otherwise, non-perishable food items that they need are:
- Proteins such as Beef stew, chicken, tuna & baked beans; cereal & canned fruits
Damiano Center
No immediate needs this month. Ongoing, they will take:
Housewares Needed:
- GENTLY used pots and pans. Please do not donate pans with teflon flaking off, as this is toxic.
- Plates,
- Cups
- Gently used or new blankets - please, no blankets with holes or stains.
Clothing Items Needed:
- Jeans
- Medical Scrubs (with no names on them)
- Black pants for men (These are often needed for men in food service industries.)
- Sweatshirts with hoods (hoodies)
- Sweatpants (joggers)
- Nice Tennis Shoes & Work Boots (Men's size 10+ are most needed.)
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel needs winter gear:
- Scarves
- Hats
- Mittens/Gloves
- Canned vegetables
- Canned soups
- Pastas & Sauces
Safe Haven
Safe Haven continues to need:
- Full sized hygiene items such as shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
- Gloves & mittens
- They also could use socks, underwear & sweatshirts.
February 2021
link to video: https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsDuluth/videos/771811210419480
Loaves & Fishes
February Needs are:
Life House
This month, Life House is focusing on providing clothes that will help with layering in the cold:
CHUM
CHUM could use:
Damiano Center
Housewares Needed:
Clothing Items Needed:
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel needs winter gear:
Safe Haven
Safe Haven continues to need:
Message from Amber: One of my favorite books is Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries, one of the most successful gang intervention programs in our country. I was so excited when he was the keynote speaker at the St. Louis County Health and Human Services conference a few years ago! I would highly recommend this book, but today I thought I’d leave you with a quote from it: “There is no force in the world better able to alter anything from its course than love.” THANK YOU for all you do for our Duluth community.
Loaves & Fishes
February Needs are:
- Mittens/gloves for all ages are still needed, but they are good on jackets.
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- QTips
- African Heritage hair care products
- Check out their website for ongoing needs, which include food and cleaning/maintenance items
Life House
This month, Life House is focusing on providing clothes that will help with layering in the cold:
- joggers/sweatpants for men (all sizes)
- Leggings
- Underwear for men and women (all sizes)
CHUM
CHUM could use:
- Sports bras
- Hand warmers
- Socks
- Underwear
Damiano Center
Housewares Needed:
- GENTLY used pots and pans. Please do not donate pans with teflon flaking off, as this is toxic.
- Plates,
- Cups
- Gently used or new blankets - please, no blankets with holes or stains.
Clothing Items Needed:
- Jeans
- Medical Scrubs (with no names on them)
- Black pants for men (These are often needed for men in food service industries.)
- Sweatshirts with hoods (hoodies)
- Sweatpants (joggers)
- Nice Tennis Shoes & Work Boots (Mens size 10+ are most needed.)
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel needs winter gear:
- Scarves
- Hats
- Mittens/Gloves
- Larger winter jackets
Safe Haven
Safe Haven continues to need:
- Full sized hygiene items such as shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
- Gloves & mittens
- They also could use socks, underwear & sweatshirts.
Message from Amber: One of my favorite books is Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries, one of the most successful gang intervention programs in our country. I was so excited when he was the keynote speaker at the St. Louis County Health and Human Services conference a few years ago! I would highly recommend this book, but today I thought I’d leave you with a quote from it: “There is no force in the world better able to alter anything from its course than love.” THANK YOU for all you do for our Duluth community.
January 2021
link to video: https://fb.watch/30fQUVnvdO/
Loaves & Fishes
Seasonal Needs are the same as in December:
Life House
This month, Life House is focusing on their youth who are parenting.
They can use:
CHUM
CHUM could use:
Damiano Center
Housewares Needed:
Clothing Items Needed:
Please call Donna at 218-722-5247 to schedule an appointment to drop off your donations. Items can only be dropped off on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel needs winter gear:
Safe Haven
Safe Haven continues to need:
A note from Amber:
I recently read this quote from Rumi-- “Love is a bridge between you and everything.” It reminded me of the generosity of our beautiful city and our thoughtful and compassionate congregation at St. Paul’s. Thank you for tuning in to Community Connections.
Seasonal Needs are the same as in December:
- Winter coats, hats, snow pants and mittens/gloves for all ages
- Backpacks
- Check out their website for ongoing needs, which include food and cleaning/maintenance items
Life House
This month, Life House is focusing on their youth who are parenting.
They can use:
- baby wash
- baby lotion
- diaper rash ointment
- Pacifiers
- safety locks
- Wipes
- diapers (sizes 4 & 5 are what they need most)
- Bottles
CHUM
CHUM could use:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Warm winter jackets
Damiano Center
Housewares Needed:
- GENTLY used pots and pans. Please do not donate pans with teflon flaking off, as this is toxic.
- Plates,
- Cups
- Gently used or new blankets - please, no blankets with holes or stains.
Clothing Items Needed:
- Warm winter coats, boots, gloves/mittens
- Jeans
- Medical Scrubs (with no names on them)
- Black pants for men (These are often needed for men in food service industries.)
- Sweatshirts with hoods (hoodies)
- Sweatpants (joggers)
- Nice Tennis Shoes & Work Boots (Mens size 10+ are most needed.)
Please call Donna at 218-722-5247 to schedule an appointment to drop off your donations. Items can only be dropped off on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel needs winter gear:
- Hats
- Mittens/Gloves
- Larger winter jackets
Safe Haven
Safe Haven continues to need:
- Full-sized hygiene items such as shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
- They are still taking jackets, snow pants and other winter gear.
- They also could use socks, underwear & sweatshirts.
A note from Amber:
I recently read this quote from Rumi-- “Love is a bridge between you and everything.” It reminded me of the generosity of our beautiful city and our thoughtful and compassionate congregation at St. Paul’s. Thank you for tuning in to Community Connections.
December 2020
Life House
Life House is grateful to the congregation of St. Pauls for their generous donation to the purchasing of gift cards for Christmas gifts for our community’s youth in need. We are planning a special holiday gathering for our youth, with Covid precautions. We have our outdoor area decorated with beautiful lights and a Christmas tree, complete with outdoor space heaters & special treats. Youth will be able to safely filter in over the course of several hours and get their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, receive thoughtful gifts, and head home with a delicious non perishable meal in a bag. Ministries such as this are meaningful because they show our youth that they are valued and loved by Life House and our community. Thank you!
On the donation front, ongoing basic needs donations are needed of: full sized shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes & toothpaste, diapers & baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
CHUM
Due to Covid 19, the warming center is not accepting donations at this time. Cash donations enable CHUM to purchase necessary items that they need. Donate online at chumduluth.org.
For Those Living at the Steve O'Neil Apartments, the following items are needed:
Diapers from newborn size to size 6
Wipes and disposable gloves for diapering
Similac Advanced and Similac Sensitive Baby
soaps and shampoo
For Those Living in Family Shelter
Diapers size 3 or larger, pacifiers, combs/brushes, lotions, and deodorant.
Damiano Center
The Damiano Center is accepting casual wear, jeans, tennis shoes, household items, winter coats, boots, gloves, socks, undergarments, scrubs and belts. Please visit the program page to schedule an appointment to drop off your donation.
Please call 218-722-5247 to schedule an appt to drop off donations.
Union Gospel Mission
Updates: Union Gospel Mission will be serving a Christmas Eve, Full Ham Dinner served curbside Thursday, December 24, 12:00-1:00 pm.
Union Gospel Mission is working with Kolar Automotive Group to procure a new used van. The Union Gospel van is their life line in the ability to being able to run regular routes to collect food items and dry goods donated from various local sources. Their old van is worn out and has become unsafe, creating the need to have it replaced.Last year the Union Gospel Mission served over 93,000 warm meals.
Donate money to help them fund the purchase of a new-used van at: https://www.duluth-ugm.org/new-van/
Loaves & Fishes
Seasonal Needs:
Some Ongoing Needs:
*Drop off items anytime between 9-8 at Olive Branch: 1614 Jefferson Street
Safe Haven
Safe Haven is looking for holiday gifts for their residents.
Some ideas for the smaller children are:
Easy Bake Oven, kitchen & play food sets Play tool sets Cars, trucks & utility vehicle toys Dolls of all ethnicities, doll clothes & accessories Barbie's, Barbie clothes & accessories Super hero figures or sets (Iron Man, Spider Man, Wonder Woman, Batman, etc.) Disney, Nickelodeon, PBS character toys & accessories Learning toys for all ages (baby-teenager) My Little Pony, LOL, Shopkins, New Generation, etc. Lego sets Science, art & DIY kits Pajamas of all sizes
*You can find their full holiday wishlist for teens and adults and children at their website: safehavenshelter.org.
Call Shelter Manager Molly Smith 218-730-2461to schedule a drop off time.
Life House is grateful to the congregation of St. Pauls for their generous donation to the purchasing of gift cards for Christmas gifts for our community’s youth in need. We are planning a special holiday gathering for our youth, with Covid precautions. We have our outdoor area decorated with beautiful lights and a Christmas tree, complete with outdoor space heaters & special treats. Youth will be able to safely filter in over the course of several hours and get their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, receive thoughtful gifts, and head home with a delicious non perishable meal in a bag. Ministries such as this are meaningful because they show our youth that they are valued and loved by Life House and our community. Thank you!
On the donation front, ongoing basic needs donations are needed of: full sized shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes & toothpaste, diapers & baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
CHUM
Due to Covid 19, the warming center is not accepting donations at this time. Cash donations enable CHUM to purchase necessary items that they need. Donate online at chumduluth.org.
For Those Living at the Steve O'Neil Apartments, the following items are needed:
Diapers from newborn size to size 6
Wipes and disposable gloves for diapering
Similac Advanced and Similac Sensitive Baby
soaps and shampoo
For Those Living in Family Shelter
Diapers size 3 or larger, pacifiers, combs/brushes, lotions, and deodorant.
Damiano Center
The Damiano Center is accepting casual wear, jeans, tennis shoes, household items, winter coats, boots, gloves, socks, undergarments, scrubs and belts. Please visit the program page to schedule an appointment to drop off your donation.
Please call 218-722-5247 to schedule an appt to drop off donations.
Union Gospel Mission
Updates: Union Gospel Mission will be serving a Christmas Eve, Full Ham Dinner served curbside Thursday, December 24, 12:00-1:00 pm.
Union Gospel Mission is working with Kolar Automotive Group to procure a new used van. The Union Gospel van is their life line in the ability to being able to run regular routes to collect food items and dry goods donated from various local sources. Their old van is worn out and has become unsafe, creating the need to have it replaced.Last year the Union Gospel Mission served over 93,000 warm meals.
Donate money to help them fund the purchase of a new-used van at: https://www.duluth-ugm.org/new-van/
Loaves & Fishes
Seasonal Needs:
- Winter coats, hats, snow pants and mittens/gloves for all ages
- Backpacks
Some Ongoing Needs:
- Coffee and sugar
- Butter and margarine
- Healthy breakfast cereal and milk
- Cheese and eggs
- Ground beef
- Tuna (large cans preferred)
- Toilet paper (household or jumbo 9” rolls)
- Laundry detergent (HE or powder, large
containers preferred) - Dish detergent
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Tampons and pads
- New socks (cotton, adult sizes)
- Ibuprofen, bandages and antibiotic cream
*Drop off items anytime between 9-8 at Olive Branch: 1614 Jefferson Street
Safe Haven
Safe Haven is looking for holiday gifts for their residents.
Some ideas for the smaller children are:
Easy Bake Oven, kitchen & play food sets Play tool sets Cars, trucks & utility vehicle toys Dolls of all ethnicities, doll clothes & accessories Barbie's, Barbie clothes & accessories Super hero figures or sets (Iron Man, Spider Man, Wonder Woman, Batman, etc.) Disney, Nickelodeon, PBS character toys & accessories Learning toys for all ages (baby-teenager) My Little Pony, LOL, Shopkins, New Generation, etc. Lego sets Science, art & DIY kits Pajamas of all sizes
*You can find their full holiday wishlist for teens and adults and children at their website: safehavenshelter.org.
Call Shelter Manager Molly Smith 218-730-2461to schedule a drop off time.
Community Connections for October 2020
Safe Haven
Safe Haven’s biggest need is socks. They also continue to need new, full sized hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, etc.), toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, and any/all disinfecting cleaning products. Drop off items downtown at 414 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55802.
If you have any questions, contact: Molly Smith MSmith@safehavenshelter.org
Lutheran Social Service-The Center for Changing Lives
Bring a little cheer to the residents of The Center for Changing Lives by making treat bags for their 24 residents. Drop them off at the Center for Changing Lives, 1422 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55805.
Loaves and Fishes
As we are coming into fall, Loaves and Fishes needs gas cards, tents, sleeping bags, and tarps for folks sleeping outside or in their car. They are also collecting items for Community Connect including winter coats, hats, gloves, socks. Drop off items anytime between 9 am-8 pm at Olive Branch House, 1614 Jefferson St., Duluth, MN.
Life House
Join Life House for their annual Celebration of Success at 5:30 pm on October 13, 2020. Music is at 5:30 pm; the program is from 6:00-6:45 pm. Hear inspiring stories from youth, celebrate five years of Sol House (their home for youth victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking) and learn about what is in store for Life House in the upcoming year. To register: text “Life House” to 243725 OR visit lifehouseduluth.org and click on “Celebration of Success.” Donations needed: Hats & gloves, shampoos & conditioner, & body wash.
CHUM
Visit chumduluth.org to join their virtual fundraiser and silent auction which will be going on through November 1st. These funds are raised to help support the clients, guests, and residents of CHUM and the programs that CHUM provides to our neighbors in need. Donations needed: tents, sleeping bags, tarps.
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel mission could use canned vegetables of any kind. Drop them off off at their building: 219 E. 1st Street.
Damiano Center
The Damiano Center is collecting winter gear such as hats, mittens, coats and snow pants for Community Connect. They are also accepting and in need of clothing such as sweatpants, jeans, sweatshirts, socks, belts, and scrubs. In addition, blankets and sheets are needed. Donations can be dropped off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only. Call 218-722-8708 to set up a time to drop off items. When donating, please park in the lot on the west side of the building.
Safe Haven’s biggest need is socks. They also continue to need new, full sized hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, etc.), toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, and any/all disinfecting cleaning products. Drop off items downtown at 414 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55802.
If you have any questions, contact: Molly Smith MSmith@safehavenshelter.org
Lutheran Social Service-The Center for Changing Lives
Bring a little cheer to the residents of The Center for Changing Lives by making treat bags for their 24 residents. Drop them off at the Center for Changing Lives, 1422 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55805.
Loaves and Fishes
As we are coming into fall, Loaves and Fishes needs gas cards, tents, sleeping bags, and tarps for folks sleeping outside or in their car. They are also collecting items for Community Connect including winter coats, hats, gloves, socks. Drop off items anytime between 9 am-8 pm at Olive Branch House, 1614 Jefferson St., Duluth, MN.
Life House
Join Life House for their annual Celebration of Success at 5:30 pm on October 13, 2020. Music is at 5:30 pm; the program is from 6:00-6:45 pm. Hear inspiring stories from youth, celebrate five years of Sol House (their home for youth victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking) and learn about what is in store for Life House in the upcoming year. To register: text “Life House” to 243725 OR visit lifehouseduluth.org and click on “Celebration of Success.” Donations needed: Hats & gloves, shampoos & conditioner, & body wash.
CHUM
Visit chumduluth.org to join their virtual fundraiser and silent auction which will be going on through November 1st. These funds are raised to help support the clients, guests, and residents of CHUM and the programs that CHUM provides to our neighbors in need. Donations needed: tents, sleeping bags, tarps.
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel mission could use canned vegetables of any kind. Drop them off off at their building: 219 E. 1st Street.
Damiano Center
The Damiano Center is collecting winter gear such as hats, mittens, coats and snow pants for Community Connect. They are also accepting and in need of clothing such as sweatpants, jeans, sweatshirts, socks, belts, and scrubs. In addition, blankets and sheets are needed. Donations can be dropped off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only. Call 218-722-8708 to set up a time to drop off items. When donating, please park in the lot on the west side of the building.
Community Connections for September 2020
September, 2020
CHUM
Steve O'Neil Apartments Early Childhood Program is in need of cribs and mattresses. Due to safety standards and requirements these items must be brand new. Visit chumduluth.org to make a donation toward a crib or mattress. Notate what you’d like your donation to go towards.
The shelter is need of new or gently used microwaves, NEW socks underwear/boxers, tampons and deodorant.
Outreach Services is in need of tents, sleeping bags and tarps.
LOAVES AND FISHES
Loaves and fishes are in need of winter coats, snow pants, hats and mittens for all ages, as well as backpacks.
Call 218-724-2054 to arrange a time to drop off donation items.
LIFE HOUSE
Donations of feminine hygiene products are needed.
Life House’s annual inspirational Celebration of Success fundraiser, held virtually on Tuesday, October 13, at 5:30 pm. They will be celebrating five years of their Safe Harbor program and sharing exciting news. Contact Amber at 218-393-6952, for more details.
NORTHWOODS CHILDREN’S SERVICES
LSS-Center for Changing Lives
Residents living in apartments at the Center for Changing Lives could use toilet paper and some gift cards for groceries to Super One. They are also running low on oral hygiene products (toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste and mouthwash). Contact: Dawn.Shykes@lssmn.org
CHUM
Steve O'Neil Apartments Early Childhood Program is in need of cribs and mattresses. Due to safety standards and requirements these items must be brand new. Visit chumduluth.org to make a donation toward a crib or mattress. Notate what you’d like your donation to go towards.
The shelter is need of new or gently used microwaves, NEW socks underwear/boxers, tampons and deodorant.
Outreach Services is in need of tents, sleeping bags and tarps.
LOAVES AND FISHES
Loaves and fishes are in need of winter coats, snow pants, hats and mittens for all ages, as well as backpacks.
Call 218-724-2054 to arrange a time to drop off donation items.
LIFE HOUSE
Donations of feminine hygiene products are needed.
Life House’s annual inspirational Celebration of Success fundraiser, held virtually on Tuesday, October 13, at 5:30 pm. They will be celebrating five years of their Safe Harbor program and sharing exciting news. Contact Amber at 218-393-6952, for more details.
NORTHWOODS CHILDREN’S SERVICES
LSS-Center for Changing Lives
Residents living in apartments at the Center for Changing Lives could use toilet paper and some gift cards for groceries to Super One. They are also running low on oral hygiene products (toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste and mouthwash). Contact: Dawn.Shykes@lssmn.org
