Nov 4th, 2020
Giving Back
Part 2: Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery & Jospeh's Coat
Written by: Kirk Hoaglund, Executive Board Chair
For the past ten years we’ve committed to directing five percent of our annual net income to charitable causes. We also find ways to help with pro-bono and in-kind contributions. In my next few posts, I’d like to give a few giving-back tips and tell you more about our favorite, deserving organizations.
Giving Back Tip #1: Amazon Smile.
One of the simplest ways you can begin to contribute today is through Amazon Smile. If you already shop on Amazon, then simply visit smile.amazon.com. The first time you do so, you’ll be able to select a non-profit organization from their very large list. Eligible subsequent purchases will result in a donation of 0.5% of your purchase price to that organization. It costs you nothing as the donation is simply calculated based on your activity and made by the Amazon Foundation.
Amazon Smile also has a donation-list feature. You may peruse lists of items needed by your favorite organizations and purchase via Amazon for direct delivery to your charity of choice.
Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
In 1983, GMCN was formed through the cooperation of several organizations. They began with a goal to establish an 24/7 crisis helpline and shelter six children per day. Today, they answer more than 4,000 crisis calls annually and shelter up to 20 children per day, providing over 5,000 nights of care each year for children newborn to six years old. Families view the Nursery as a trusted source of information, support, advocacy, safety, as well as a vital link to the Nursery’s partnering network of services.
GMCN has become a leader in helping to prevent child abuse and neglect by giving families in need a safe place for their young children and access to helping resources.
There are many ways to donate to this organization. Especially during holiday times, consider sponsoring a meal or helping with Holiday Helper gifts.
I’ve visited their facility and seen them in action. I’ve also chatted with the many volunteers that help care for the children. Watch TV with them. Read to them. Even dance with them. COVID-19 concerns limit some of the activities available, so check with GMCN.
Joseph’s Coat is a remarkable and unique organization helping those in need with daily essentials and clothing. Founded in 1989 to answer a need for no-cost personal and household items by the homeless in St. Paul’s inner city, today they provide needed items to 700 individuals each week.
They provide a free store with a quiet shopping experience helping maintain an environment of dignity and respect. They are caring, patient, and remarkable people making a huge difference in the lives to those they help.
Joseph’s Coat, or “Joe’s Coat” as we’ve come to call them, receives no public funding and relies entirely on donations to cover operational costs. It is easy to donate online.
You may also donate gently used or brand-new items that meet the needs of those they help. Check out their needs list. Winter is an especially important time for them to provide things like warm clothing, sleeping bags, and blankets.
Finally, consider helping them through volunteering your time to assist with various tasks.