REM Minnesota Participates in The MENTOR Network’s Third Annual National Volunteer Day
9 June 2015
Employees and individuals served by REM Minnesota came together with their families and friends on Saturday, April 25 to participate in The MENTOR Network’s third annual National Volunteer Day. Minnesota had eight outstanding locations participate around the state.
A group of 20 volunteers prepared and served a hot meal to over 300 individuals at the Damiano Soup Kitchen, which operates the largest on-site meal program in the city of Duluth, MN. Volunteer groups enable the soup kitchen to provide meals to individuals in need. Volunteers also participated in a food and clothing drive to benefit the Damiano Center, where the soup kitchen is located. Employees in the Buffalo area operated a food drive at Coburns Grocery, where they collected 522 items and $53 in donations for the Buffalo Food Shelf. Fifty-three dollars can buy almost 325 pounds of food to be distributed to families and individuals who have emergency food needs in the community.
Another group of volunteers gave their time making crafts with children served by Sharing & Caring Hands, a Minneapolis-based non-profit that provides services to individuals living in poverty.
“REM Minnesota employees and individuals served spent their valuable free time cleaning parks, holding food drives and gave children who are at risk for homelessness the fun, supervised play they deserve,” said Connie Menne, State Director, REM Minnesota. “We couldn’t be prouder that we have such a committed staff.”
Nearly 2,500 employees across The MENTOR Network volunteered at 50 service projects spanning 17 states along with friends, family members and individuals served. Volunteers participated in painting and gardening projects, sorted donations at food banks and Goodwill stores, staffed charitable fundraisers and thrift stores, and cleaned up various Boys & Girls Clubs, among other projects.
“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the great success of The Network’s third national Volunteer Day,” said Bruce Nardella, President and CEO of The MENTOR Network. “It’s inspiring to see so many of our employees excited about giving back to the communities in which we live and work, extending our mission of service to the community at-large by taking time to volunteer along with family members, friends and individuals we serve. I’m proud to work alongside such dedicated individuals, and look forward to seeing how far this event will grow in the future!”