It didn't take long for me to get to my next state since it was literally a stones throw from where I was staying in Fargo. So I hopped into the Mazda and crossed the Red River into Minnesota. I was excited to be back in my birth state and to serve the fine people here. I've spent over twenty-two years in this state, so I knew it well.
The reason for heading North during the winter months was based upon one event that just so happened to be in the Twin Cities on December 19th. My cousin Greg was getting married and I wasn't going to miss it. So I spent the Saturday with my family celebrating this joyous occasion.
I left Sunday morning to head even farther north to stay with my friend, Bryant, who works up in Cook, MN. He offered me a place to stay and also wanted to join in on the volunteering. We headed for Duluth on Monday morning looking for people to serve. Without finding people out and about (a lesson I thought I learned a few states back about cold weather and people staying indoors), we used Google to find out where some of the local charities.
After talking to a local agency, we were pointed to the
Union Gospel Mission in downtown Duluth. The UGM “helps a large number of destitute and low income people daily. From food to shelter and everything in between, [they try to do the Lord's work] with kindness, compassion and empathy.” Much of what they do is providing an environment where the people they serve can be safe, be encouraged, and be shown dignity no matter their situation.
We stopped by and simply asked if there was anything they needed help with. We were informed they could use some help later in the afternoon to do dinner prep and serve the meal and clean up. Four o'clock rolled around and so did we...back to the Union Mission. Wiping down and setting up tables, prepping food, preparing plates, serving meals (Sloppy Joes), packing leftovers, washing dishes, sweeping and mopping the floor, taking the garbage out, and a handful of other common tasks were the focus of our service.
It's a great feeling volunteering next to a friend and I heavily recommend serving others in groups. It allows for encouragement, creativity, and way to break down what you experienced. I'm very thankful for the people who are willing to take a risk to join me in my endeavors.
After spending a few nights in the Northern Minnesota, the weather in the South decided to make things more interesting. A mega-storm was heading for the state and was forecasted to bring up to forty inches of snow in some areas. The system was slow moving and was going to be in Worthington (my hometown and Christmas destination) by Wednesday night, so I headed for Hibbing, Minnesota on Tuesday to help the Salvation Army with their annual toy handout and Adopt-a-Family event.
I arrived at the Irongate Plaza by 9am where the event was taking place. I met the kind folks who were helping out and was given my instructions. The responsibilities of the morning and afternoon were relatively similar: loading a cart with the pre-registered bags, pushing the cart through the mall to the loading area, and packing the persons vehicle with the presents, coats, and food. This is a great program to be involved with and I implore you help out in some capacity with your local Salvation Army branch. The Northern Minnesota branch really is living up to their slogan, “Doing the most good.” Keep it up!
When all the containers were handed out, I asked if there was anything else I could do for them; having nothing more for me to do, I gassed up the Mazda and headed for the Twin Cities. I stayed the night with a long time friend (thanks Keith!) and planned my Wednesday in light of the approaching colossal storm. I had made plans with Open Arms of Minnesota to deliver meals on Wednesday during the noon hour and figured I could still make it to my final destination before sitting in a ditch for the holidays.
Open Arms of Minnesota “offers a unique model of care for people in our community who are sick, need nutritious food, and have no where else to turn for assistance. We are the only nonprofit organization in the state that prepares and delivers free meals specifically tailored to meet the nutrition needs of individuals living with serious and life-threatening diseases.”
After driving around in a circle for fifteen minutes, I finally found the distribution annex. There was so much energy coming from this place. People hauling over-sized dufflebags in and out of the main entrance, cars positioning for a parking spot, directions being given to the drivers, along with the delicious aroma of freshly prepared steak coming from the kitchen...what a great place!
I let the director know that it was my first time serving and was excited to get my orders. Pete (volunteer coordinator) kind of hesitated when he handed me the directions to the three homes. He asked if I was familiar with the St. Paul area. (If you've ever been to St. Paul, MN before, you would know how messed up the streets are.) I told him I'd make it...and I did. Loaded the car up and drove to my stops, handed out the meals, and then headed back to the main building.
While I was on my last run, I had a little trouble finding the right apartment on a very strange building. I ended up asking some of the local residence if they had any idea. I was quite fortunate one gentleman was able to speak English and informed me there were more residences in the back. Success! Also, while I was out searching for the last meal stop, I got a call from Pete who said that WCCO was there. I told them I'd be back within the next hour (let's just say that a GPS would have really come in handy).
I handed back the insulated cooler and then was shown how the kitchen operated. They make all the meals in their own kitchen and really do a good job. I still had about an hour to help out and they handed me a peeler and knife to dice up carrots for a soup later in the week. I got my pile done and had to say goodbye. (Click here to see the WCCO news story.)
The drive to Worthington is normally about three and a half hours from Minneapolis...I made good time and was slammed by the snow and wind about a thirty minutes away from my hometown. Thank goodness for being in a state where most of the people have a good amount of winter driving experience!
I spent Christmas with family and was safely inside while thirty inches of snow fell over two days. (A new record for the 24-25 of December!) This gave way for me to volunteer spontaneously by scooping and scooping and scooping snow. A very simple way to help others, especially the elderly or disabled and you get a great workout in the process.
With all the excitement from the weather, it was hard to leave. Couple that with it being a state I lived in for more than twenty-one years...it was nearly impossible...but I must press on.
Trekking through the snow to Iowa!