Having fun while supporting the community!

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a long term commitment to make a difference. For a group of Target employees, a night of bonding in the kitchen was able to make youth in their community feel cared about, while also being fun!

“We all had such a great time coming together as a team to cook a meal for such a good cause,” said volunteer team leader, Emily Splett.  “This volunteer opportunity was a great experience and we will definitely do it again!”

Home cooked meals aren’t usual for most youth experiencing homelessness. Many eat at shelters or buy whatever fast food they can afford. At Safe House, a Lutheran Social Service of MN 30-day emergency shelter, youth ages 16-20 are fed a home cooked meal daily. 

“Families, corporations, church groups and individuals volunteer to cook and bring dinner to the shelter 365 days a year,” explains Annie Harm, the volunteer coordinator for the LSS Metro Homeless Youth Programs. “Groups leave the meals for the youth, and return home knowing they have made someone’s life a little brighter.”

Safe House provides youth living on the streets with a friendly, safe environment where they can begin the road to healthy, productive lives.  The youth staying at the house work with youth advocates on case plans, independent living skills and on obtaining permanent housing.

Volunteering was a rewarding experience for the Target group, who decided to make the night a bonding event as well.

"We even bought extra ingredients and prepared enough of each dish so we could sit down together and have a “family” meal at the end,” said Splett.  “The final reward came when I dropped off the meal, and was greeted with smiling faces that were especially excited that it was Spaghetti Night!”

Volunteering to cook a meal for Safe House is a fun and rewarding way to give back to the community. Home cooked meals let the homeless youth staying at the shelter know the community, including you, is thinking about them.

Volunteer to make a meal for Safe House