In this Issue:

Message from the President

Pelican Rapids: Small Town, Global Village

Achieving Dreams and Getting Off Welfare for Good

Process Improvement Becomes a Priority at LSS

Donor Group Sees the Impact of LSS Renaissance Program

Phillips Park Building Program Continues

Budget Cuts Force LSS to Close Safe House in St. Paul

2003 Sponsor A Family

Around the State

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2003 Sponsor A Family
(Archived Issues : Changing Lives)

During the year-end holiday season, it can be a struggle for financially disadvantaged families to experience joy and hope. Again in 2003, LSS and Catholic Charities will partner in the "Sponsor A Family" program. This holiday gift program connects client families with donors who shop for gifts of clothes, toys, certificates for groceries, and basic household necessities that will be gifts for specific family members. This personal "matching" distinguishes this holiday gift program as one that meets the personal needs and wishes of the recipients. This "matching" gives a message that someone personally cares.

In 2002, Catholic Charities and LSS partnered together and combined their respective, Adopt a Family and Sponsor A Family, programs. Headstart of Ramsey County and Cornerstone were other non-profit agencies who were invited to register client families. Over 1,825 families in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metro area experienced joy and hope during last year's holiday season through this partnership program!

The donors and volunteers are the keys to the success of this program. Donors are anonymously matched with families or individuals who provide a "wish list" of desired gifts. Additional donors give cash that's used to purchase grocery certificates and retail gift certificates. Other donors provide extra gifts and toys that are given to families that were not able to be timely matched with a specific donor.

Volunteers started these programs and continue to provide key leadership and staffing resources. Last year, there were over 2,729 volunteer hours contributed during the several months that it takes to organize and operate this program!

You can share the blessings and joy of the Christmas season with others by participating in this Sponsor A Family program! To either become a donor and/or help as a volunteer, please call the following toll-free numbers after September 1, 2003:

Minneapolis Sponsor A Family 1-866-620-2236
St. Paul Sponsor A Family 1-800-285-3014

www.sponsorafamily.org

     

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