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FROM MY HEARTMy Dear Friends,I can’t believe summer is over… And what a hard summer it was this year… We couldn’t have big parties or take the children on field trips or do all the fun things we normally do. So, to alleviate the families from being cooped up all the time, we bought pizzas and had Dairy Queen treats. We built a new playground in the backyard and the children have been running around and playing on it out-side. We kept our Children Center and Teen Center open with precautions in place so the children could enjoy the limited summer they had. It’s been hard not being able to do all the fun things we normally do, but the families truly appreciated the overwhelming amount of care and food and do-nated items our donors showed in their generosity. The families knew they were cared for and loved during this difficult time. I want to say to all the churches, restaurants, businesses, and people who donated food and vol-unteered time – your generosity has been beyond comprehension. You’ve made it possible for us to serve those in need. It’s been the most wonderful thing I’ve experienced. Since last spring there’s been very limited numbers of volunteers coming to help, but thankfully it’s starting to pick up, and more are coming in to help us. If you’re reading this, I hope you can find it in your heart to come in and help us, even if it’s just a little bit. Or maybe you know someone that’d be willing to come in to help us. I always say that we need more doctors and nurses. I’ll be so grateful to you and you’ll be helping so many people in need. I’m sure some of the churches that help in the kitchen will return after the first of the new year. I want to see all of the volunteers again. I miss them very much and I’m sure they miss it here, too.The hardest thing for me has been to see the children not be able to return to school. They’re struggling with distance learning. They’re falling even more behind. We’re really in need of more tutors to help these children in our After School Tutoring Program. Our pro-gram has safely reopened and everyone has remained healthy. I hope that some of our tutors return and that new people answer our call for help. I hope this happens soon because we’re turning away up to 20 children a day because we don’t have enough help.Right now we’re getting ready for Christmas. Since we’ve had a hard summer, I want to be able to give the children a very big, nice Christmas. The holidays will be a hard time for many people – and not just because of the virus – it’s because they don’t have anything to spend for Christmas. If any of you can help make this year’s Christmas for the children a big and beautiful one, you’ll surely be blessed.Finally, I know I keep saying this, but please don’t let the virus take over. Replace fear with faith. This too shall pass so don’t pass with it. We’ve many precautions in place to keep everyone healthy and safe. We look forward to seeing more volunteers soon. The health department says less than 1% of the homeless had the virus. I hope that encourages you to feel safe in coming back.May you all have a blessed, safe, and holy Christmas and most blessed New Year. You’ll always be in my heart and prayers. I hope to see you soon. I know the angels are sing-ing every time you come.Yours In Christ, Mary Jo Copeland Founder & Director of Sharing and Caring Hands

THANK YOU TO THOSE THAT DONATED SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THE CHILDREN

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THOSE HELPING US FEED THE HUNGRY

NEW MARY’S PLACE BACKYARD PLAYGROUNDIn September Mary Jo unveiled a brand new playground in the backyard of Mary’s Place. It includes 2 new climbing structures

as well as a new poured in rubber surface. The children have been so happy playing on it outside!

Thank you to the churches, restaurants, businesses, and individuals who have donated meals to help us feed the hungry. We continue to need your food donations. If you can help, please contact 612-338-4640 or info@sharingandcaringhands.org.

Even though most of the Mary’s Place children are doing distance learning from home, they still needed school sup-plies to do their homework. This time of distance learning has been incredibly hard for them, but receiving their new backpack sure made them happy and smile.

“Your smile and an outstretched hand is the beginning of a miracle in the unspoken need of another’s heart.”

HALLOWEEN FUNWhile we could not throw a big Halloween party like we usually do, we still found a way to give the Mary’s Place children a fun time. Mary Jo gave all of the children $2 and her good friend, Damian Moran, came and DJ-ed music and passed out candy. We also gave out pizza, pop, balloons, and treat bags. The children had fun and it was so nice to see them so happy!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT : BRYANBryan has known Mary Jo and has been coming to see her at Sharing and Caring Hands for 15 years. He says Mary Jo has always dedicated herself to helping others and he has been thankful to know her all these years. He was surprised but very happy when Mary Jo approached him to offer him a job. He works at the Sharing and Caring Hands loading dock receiving donations and does general cleaning at both Sharing and Caring Hands and Mary’s Place. He says his favorite part of his job is the camarade-rie of everyone here. Everyone here says he is one of the most gracious and kindest people. We appreciate him for all his effort and hard work!

ONGOING NEEDS Please call 612-338-4640 or email info@sharingandcaringhands.org if you have any questions.

PANTRY FOOD items for those that access our Food Shelf.HYGIENE items for men, women, and kids.

DIAPERS, PULL-UPS, BABY WIPES, BABY FORMULA.HOUSEHOLD items (new/gently used)- dishes, pots and pans, crockpots, glasses, silverware, towels, sheets, blankets, pillows,

and small appliances in good working condition.CLOTHING (new/gently used) for men, women, and kids.

CAR SEATS/STROLLERS in great working condition (car seats cannot be expired).

URGENT NEED FOR VOLUNTEER TUTORS FOR THE CHILDREN We safely reopened our After School Tutoring Program in September and still have an urgent need for volunteers able and willing to tutor the Mary’s Place children with their schoolwork. Most of them are doing distance learning and this has posed great challenges and stress for them. More than ever before, they are in need of one-on-one assistance and help. Please consider spending two hours per week with the children – we currently do not have enough volun-teers and are turning away children seeking support. No special teaching/tutoring experience is required. We have implemented a Covid Safety Plan that is keeping everyone healthy and safe.

Program Days/Time: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00pm Sign-Up Contact: Kathy Klement 612-596-3418 / kklement@sharingandcaringhands.org

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in your program. Your covid safety plan is thorough and well thought out. I’ve appreciat-ed your efforts in making me feel comfortable and safe while I try to make a difference in the lives of these students. If I can help make their day a little better by showing up, that is something worth doing! Thank you for everything you’re doing for these kids!” –Paula N.

COLLECTING WINTER COAT DONATIONS Thank you to those who have already donated winter coats for the Mary’s Place children! So far we have been able to give 350+ brand new winter coats to children/teens in need. We are still collecting brand new winter coats to give to the children that move into Mary’s Place through these next several months of winter. We never want to have to tell a child that we cannot help clothe them for winter. Donations can be dropped off at Mary’s Place or shipped directly to Mary’s Place (401 North 7th Street, Minneapolis MN 55405) in care of “N.Lor.”

“To each one of us tonight, much has been given and much will be asked. Great leaders are great servants. Serve your God, serve your family, and serve your community, and you will truly be great leaders, serving one another.”

COLLECTING CHRISTMAS GIFTS & TOYS FOR THE CHILDREN Because the covid pandemic has made this year so hard for so many, our goal is to give as many children as possible the best Christmas of their lives. This year, we are asking you to do-nate Christmas gifts and toys as soon as December 1. We estimate blessing 500+ children with a beautiful and memo-rable Christmas. Each child has already given us their wish list – and our staff will work countless hours to match your toy donations to children. It will help our staff immensely if toy donations are on-site sooner than later. Donations can be dropped off at Sharing and Caring Hands or shipped directly to Mary’s Place (401 North 7th Street, Minneapolis MN 55405) in care of “K.Klement.” Thank you for your generos-ity and helping us give these children a wonderful Christmas.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS NEEDED Please consider donating gifts for the 500+ children at Mary’s Place and other local

low-income families who come to us in need at Christmas.

We ask for and need everyone’s continued involvement if we are going to meet the numbers again this year. Gifts should be new, unwrapped, and delivered to Sharing & Caring Hands starting as soon as December 1. Wrap-ping paper & tape is always needed, too.

The following are what are already on some of the chil-dren’s wish lists.

Some ideas for the children:

*Babies/Toddlers- learning toys, baby dolls & accessories, building blocks/duplos, playdoh, dress up costumes

*Girls- Barbies, arts & crafts, girl lego sets, little girl makeup & nail polish

*Boys- action figures, hot wheels/remote control cars, arts & crafts for boys, lego sets

*Boardgames & sports balls

Popular Characters – Elmo, Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, Thomas The Tank Engine, Frozen, Moana, Disney Prin-cess, Doc McStuffin, Dora, Tinkerbell, My Little Pony, LOL Dolls, Hatchimals, Shopkins, Avengers, Any Superhero, Incredibles, Fornite, Minecraft, Beyblade.

Many teenagers and their wish lits are often over-looked, so please include them in your shopping.

Some ideas for the teens:

*Girls- body wash, lotion, perfume, makeup, nail polish, hair accessories, hair styling heat tools

*Boys- body wash, lotion, cologne, Bluetooth speakers, Nike/Addidas/other name brand apparel

*Gift cards & earbuds/headphones & electronics

Thank you for helping to make this Christmas extra special for our children who have so little.

LETTERS FROM THE MAIL BAGDear Mary Jo,

You are an Angel here on earth. You kept your doors open when the city closed its doors and shut down. Minnesota is lucky to have you!

Thank You, Nivette P.

Though these letters are directed to Mary Jo and the staff, we share them with you to show the impact your love, generosity and caring love have on the lives of others.

Dear Mary Jo,

You probably don’t know it but you’ve had such an impact on me. I once heard you say, “You can get bitter or better. You can tear down or build up. You have a choice.” I’ve remembered these words all these years.

Thank You, Robbie R.

Dear Mary Jo,

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my family. How much you’ve changed my life can’t be put into words. However, my heart knows that I’m indebted to you for helping me through my darkest hours. Only the Almighty God will give you more to help the needy people like myself.

Thank You, Nya & Family (Former Room #350)

Dear Mary Jo,

We don’t know where we’d be without you. You’ve been a bright light for us, leading us to a better brighter future.

God Bless You, The Millers (Room #233)

LETTERS FROM THE KIDS

Sharing and Caring Hands525 North 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55405

612-338-4640v v v v v v v v v v

Business Hours:M-Th: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sat.-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.v v v v v v v

You can use your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express for donations to Sharing & Caring Hands.

v v v v v v v v v

We also have the option of Electronic Funds Transferv v v v

Want to know more? Visit us on the Web!www.sharingandcaringhands.orginfo@sharingandcaringhands.org

YOU CAN DONATE TO SHARING & CARING HANDS ONLINE.

ULTIMATE GIFTPlease consider a gift to Sharing & Caring Hands as part of your will or trust as you do your estate planning. Donations can be in the form of stocks, 401K’s, insurance policies, or charitable remainder trusts. Talk to your financial advisor or call Mary Jo Copeland at 612-328-4290.Regular donations are vital to our work, and many employers will match your donations, thus doubling its value. You can use your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express for donations to Sharing & Caring Hands. A donation of stock is also welcome and can have great tax advantages. We are a 501(C)(3) charity so all donations are tax deductible. May God bless your generosity!

Dear Mary Jo,

12 years ago my mother escaped an abusive relation-ship and took a leap of faith and moved me and my 2 brothers from Wisconsin to Minnesota. We moved into Mary’s Place and there I learned the importance of family, diversity, and what it means to care for and help people. Lately I’ve been dreaming of Mary’s Place and being able to thank you. Thank you for being you. I would be nowhere without you!

Love, Raven B.

Dear Mary Jo,

Thank you for giving us a home when we didn’t have one. Tomorrow is our last day here. We’re moving into our new home. I’ll miss you but never forget you.

Love, Najah (age 12)

Dear Mary Jo,

You’re one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I love the new playground. Thank you for building it for us.

Love, Eduardo (age 8)

Dear Mary Jo,

Thank you for the bed, the food, the clothes, and the $2. I love my new house. It’s so nice having a place to stay.

Love, Silas (age 6)

Pictured Here : Room #221 Maquel (8), Donovan (6), Adrian (5), Gabriel (2), & William (1)

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PAIDPERMIT NO. 399

TWIN CITIES, MN

Sharing and Caring handSP.O. BOx 50657MinneaPOliS, Mn 55405-0657

addreSS ServiCe requeSted

A Compassionate Response To The Needs Of The Poor

SHARIN

G & CARING HANDS37th