Extra Help Needed...Let's Ring Those Bells!

Extra help is needed in our community this year.  The Red Kettles are behind and people are not filling in the spots to help ring the bells...which means, less money will be available to help those in our area this year.

How can you help?  Here are 2 ways:

1. Gather up those pennies.  Look through those couch cushions...and every time that you pass by a red kettle...put something inside.  Don't forget to say "thanks" to those ringing!
2. Help ring bells!

I checked out a few of the times that are available to ring and there are still even some spots with inside locations that need help!  Fareway...Hobby Lobby...Hy-Vee...you can be warm AND help The Salvation Army all at the same time by just ringing a bell.

For more info and links to the sign-up page through The Salvation Army...read the info below:

Our Red Kettle Campaign is behind! -
This year has been challenging but we are hoping for the best to keep The Salvation Army thriving and Doing The Most Good. We are almost $18,000 behind last year's generous pace and our need is only expanding in Rochester. Without fully-staffed kettles and thoughtful donors we face serious decisions regarding current programs and services. Do you know anyone else who can help, either with volunteer hours or a tax deductible gift?

- We have volunteer hours to fill -
The answer to our need? Your short time offered at an outdoor or indoor Salvation Army Red Kettle this next week! Each hour that a Red Kettle remains unattended means virtually no response or donations. Generous donations fund most of what The Salvation can do to support local programs and services. The math is simple: Fewer hours covered = less help available for those in need.

www.RochesterSA.org

 to Ring a bell between now and December 24th.

- Over 800 hours remain - 
Our schedule still has time open at busy sites all around Rochester. Sample the bargains at Kmart before or after your shift! Bring your grocery list to Cub Foods to shop before or after your shift (Bonus! Your ice cream won't melt in your trunk!) Meet generous people who visit Fleet Farm and literally stuff your kettle to capacity! Get caught up in the excitement at any Walmart or Sam's Club door! Find those few precious indoor times on December 23rd and 24th atHy-Vee or Fareway Foods when you don't have school or work!www.RochesterSA.org

 or call 507-288-3663 to Ring a bell!

Sing Christmas carols, play an instrument, parade around in your worst holiday sweater! Bring up to four other family members, friends or coworkers to make the time fly! Dress up in a big cardboard box covered in Christmas wrap and put a big bow on your head to remind passers-by that you are a gift to The Salvation Army with your donated time! Your creativity can do wonders for The Salvation Army!

Our clients thank you for your past support and charitable heart. We know you won’t leave them out in the cold this year.Thank you and Merry Christmas!

www.RochesterSA.org

 or call507-288-3663 to Ring a bell!
---------------
Dave Ferber-Director of Community Engagement
The Salvation Army "Doing The Most Good"
IT'S RED KETTLE TIME! Ring bells at www.RochesterSA.org

 

Operation Christmas Child Update & Video

Thanks for helping with Operation Christmas Child!  

This link was shared from an AHG family...and we wanted to pass it along so you could all enjoy it and learn a little bit more about Operation Christmas Child.

From the AHG family..."I just wanted to forward this video to you about the regional packing event for OCC in Bloomington yesterday.  I saw the video on Kare 11 TV and it was so touching to hear of one man's experience in receiving his first shoebox.  Brings the whole OCC full-circle."

Hundreds gather to support Operation Christmas Child

Video:
Several hundred people skipped the holiday shopping rush this weekend to pack up shoe boxes filled with gifts for 750,000 children across the world.
http://www.kare11.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=2880956805001

A Few FAQ...service night time, bell ringing on Dec. 7th and how to fill out the service logs

We've had a few questions about the number of minutes that the groups had for service during our service night and if bell ringing on December 7th counts for service.  We are putting the answers together for all of you...along with a reminder of how to fill out those service logs.

Service Time on Service Night:
Our goal for our service night wasn't about time...but more about helping the girls figure out what the real purpose of service is.  I have heard A LOT from many of you, ideas from the girls in our AHG troop...and they are getting it.  What is even better...families are working together on projects, the girls are being creative and raising money for all sorts of different groups and they WANT to help.  They have found the spark that is inside and they are making changes happen in this community and in places around the world.

You can read a recap of what we did during our service night at our latest post here...and below is a rundown as well of what we did on Service Night and the amount of service hours that they earned that evening..

Tenderhearts = 20 minutes in the room working on the blankets.  10 minutes in the big room working on thank you notes.  Total of 30 minutes.

Explorers = 10 minutes in the big room working on thank you notes.  Total of 10 minutes.

Pi/Pa = 10 minutes in the big room working on thank you notes.  Total of 10 minutes.


Bell Ringing on December 7th Count as Service Time for Log Being Turned in December 2nd?
The answer is no.  All service hours must happen prior to the service log being turned in.  You can put the service of bell ringing on the next service log though!

How can you fit in another 30 minutes?  We have a few ideas listed for Tenderhearts and Explorers at the links below.  Pi/Pa's...your list is coming soon but you can do many of the items listed on these pages as well.

Tenderheart Ideas for Service
Explorer Ideas for Service


Need Help Filling Out Those Service Logs?  
We have a page just for this...helpful hints and the process for how to fill out the service log.
Here is the link:  Service Log Page

Any other questions, feel free to send Jessica an e-mail at mominmn@gmail.com

Explorer Service Ideas

Service can be done by anyone at any age.  

This post should hopefully help provide you with some ideas on what service activities might be appropriate and what might be available for the different ages in our troop.  These are just ideas and really...the opportunities to provide service are endless.  Use this as a tool and build your service ideas and opportunities from here.  No service is too small if it's showing God's love to another!

We encourage you to serve behind the scenes (shopping for a food pantry) and directly with those in need (serving lunch at a food pantry).  

Explorer     10 hours of service = 1 service star

Explorer Service Ideas

• Set up a lemonade/bake sale and raise money for a special cause or organization that you pick.  Make the food, set it up and be the salesperson.
• Offer to clean the toys at a local church or day care.  
• Take a neighbors pet for a walk.
• Volunteer at a local moms group in their childcare...some organizations are MOPS and Teen MOPS.
• Talk to a local pet shelter and help out with whatever tasks they might need help with...or just to play with the animals.
• Offer to babysit a child or play with some kids so a mom you know can have a break.
• Pick weeds in a community flower bed, at a local school or at a local church.
• Work at your church - consult your church's Children's Ministry Team to see what you might be able to do to help.
• Be a baker for transplant recipients and their families at Gift of Life Transplant House.  Girls can shop, plan, bake, clean-up and help deliver the food.  All time working on these things counts as service.
• Hold the door open for someone at church...without anyone even asking you to do it.
• Send a card to your Sunday School Teacher
• Color placemats for Season's Hospice in Rochester.  Just give them a call to pick up some that you can work on at home.
• Make a tie blanket for a child through an organization such as Project Linus.
• Ring bells for The Salvation Army
• Send a card to your teacher at school letting them know how much you appreciate them.
• Drop off a plant or baked goods at your local fire station.
• Rake your neighbors lawn.
• Write your mayor, representative, president, etc. and let them know how much you appreciate their service to the community.
• Put together a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child and deliver it to your church or local drop off center.  Count your shopping time as well as your wrapping of the items for service.
• Walk around a park or your neighborhood and pick up trash.
• Cardsforheroes.org is always looking for cards to send to service men and women overseas.  Make cards for them to use that are blank and the service men and women can use these to send letters back to their families.  See their website for more details.
• Visit someone in a nursing home (non-relative).  Make a craft or card for them too!
• ask at church for any names of peopleto visit or call and ask a nursing home.
• The Elder Network Faith in Action Program is in need of friendly visitor volunteers.  Commitment is one time per week at elderly persons homes.  United Way of Olmsted County has more information about this opportunity.

Reminder:  The service star program is to award the girls for community service.  This is service outside of the family.  So visiting an elderly woman at a nursing home is service, but visiting your own great-grandma in a nursing home is not.  

If your daughter wants to earn an award for service to family, that is awarded separately through our badge program.  The badge is titled, "Family Helper".

Tenderheart Service Ideas

Service can be done by anyone at any age.  

This post should hopefully help provide you with some ideas on what service activities might be appropriate and what might be available for the different ages in our troop.  These are just ideas and really...the opportunities to provide service are endless.  Use this as a tool and build your service ideas and opportunities from here.  No service is too small if it's showing God's love to another!

We encourage you to serve behind the scenes (shopping for a food pantry) and directly with those in need (serving lunch at a food pantry).  

Tenderheart     5 hours of service = 1 service star

Tenderheart Service Ideas

• Work at your church - consult your church's Children's Ministry Team to see what you might be able to do to help.
• Be a baker for transplant recipients and their families at Gift of Life Transplant House.  Girls can shop, plan, bake, clean-up and help deliver the food.  All time working on these things counts as service.
• Hold the door open for someone at church...without anyone even asking you to do it.
• Send a card to your Sunday School Teacher
• Color placemats for Season's Hospice in Rochester.  Just give them a call to pick up some that you can work on at home.
• Make a tie blanket for a child through an organization such as Project Linus.
• Ring bells for The Salvation Army
• Send a card to your teacher at school letting them know how much you appreciate them.
• Drop off a plant or baked goods at your local fire station.
• Rake your neighbors lawn.
• Write your mayor, representative, president, etc. and let them know how much you appreciate their service to the community.
• Put together a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child and deliver it to your church or local drop off center.  Count your shopping time as well as your wrapping of the items for service.
• Walk around a park or your neighborhood and pick up trash.
• Cardsforheroes.org is always looking for cards to send to service men and women overseas.  Make cards for them to use that are blank and the service men and women can use these to send letters back to their families.  See their website for more details.
• Visit someone in a nursing home (non-relative).  Make a craft or card for them too!
• ask at church for any names of peopleto visit or call and ask a nursing home.
• The Elder Network Faith in Action Program is in need of friendly visitor volunteers.  Commitment is one time per week at elderly persons homes.  United Way of Olmsted County has more information about this opportunity.

Reminder:  The service star program is to award the girls for community service.  This is service outside of the family.  So visiting an elderly woman at a nursing home is service, but visiting your own great-grandma in a nursing home is not.  

If your daughter wants to earn an award for service to family, that is awarded separately through our badge program.  The badge is titled, "Family Helper".

A Thank You to AHG

During our service night in November, AHG Troop 0521 wrote notes of encouragement on little, blue pieces of paper.  Some with smiles, some with words and others that had some really beautiful pictures and poems.   These blue pieces of paper were attached to some special treats.

A few weeks ago these were delivered to Teen MOPS teens, the childcare workers and the volunteers. We also delivered these to an organization called Next Chapter Ministries.

We recently received this e-mail from Next Chapter Ministries:

Thank you to the American Heritage Girls that made treats for the kids!  The kids will love it- I plan to give the treats to them on Wednesday.

 

Have a great day!

Melinda

 

Next Chapter Ministries
Building Relationships, Changing Lives

As we dropped off these treats and notes to this organization I had a chance to chat with one of those who helps organize all the activities and runs the entire ministry.  These were the words that were spoken to me and my three kiddos as we handed the bags over:

"These kids will love these!  Thank you, thank you.  Some of the kids here don't ever get a note that encourages them or special treats that are...just because.  This will mean a lot to them and they will really appreciate it."

Thank you for spending the time to write those notes and draw those pictures!  

Jessica Williams

AHG Troop 0521 Service Coordinator

Service Night Recap...and what's coming up!

Parents...thanks for sharing your girls with us last night for Service Night!  We had a night that was planned specifically to get the girls to think and feel a little bit of tug in their hearts.  Lots of info was shared last night and we wanted to help you understand how the meeting went and what our purpose for the night was overall.  

Our meeting started out with a devotion and skit led by Mrs. Brase.  This was a great introduction to our night!  The rest of our evening included three sessions in our Service Night.  Here is what we did, the goals for our night and what is coming up!

Session 1:

We started out our evening with two speakers...

• Teresa with Hugs from Hunter Foundation and 
• Marti Ogren who shared about Creating Hope for Cambodia.

Hugs from Hunter Foundation is a group that was started because of a little boy who passed away about 2 years ago from an ATV accident.  He was an active kid that lived in Rochester and one of the things that he wanted to do was read to kids in the hospital.  He also loved to make people laugh.  After he passed away, his cousin, who is 14, wanted to do something for kids that are in hospitals that would provide a little more comfort and something that was also for the siblings that are right there beside them in those moments.  She decided to make blankets and provide those along with teddy bears for 50 kids.  They raised the money.  They put in the work and they met that goal.  The project and desire to help others has grown and has now become a foundation...the Hugs from Hunter Foundation.  You can find out more info about this foundation at their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hugs-From-Hunter-Foundation/368344206590377  A fundraiser is also being held this weekend at Christ Community Church.  More details about this event can be found at www.cccrochester.org  

Creating Hope for Cambodia is a craft sale that has been in place for a few years in Rochester.  Just this past weekend several people got together to sell their items that they had made and many people came to purchase those items.  Marti shared her passion for this service project that she has helped create because she has heard the stories of girls that live in Cambodia and realized that their futures are not bright and full of hope with Jesus unless someone helps them.  She came home from one of her trips and knew she had to do something.  The girls in the country of Cambodia don't have opportunities to go to school because it costs money and the majority of families just don't have enough money for that luxury of education.  Hard to think that school is a luxury sometimes but it truly is.  Food and shelter are the priorities for this culture and even those are at extreme conditions compared to what we are comfortable with here in the US.  We didn't share the full impact with the AHG troop the entire reason why Creating Hope for Cambodia is in place, because it is a sensitive subject...but parents, this is in place because girls that are the age of our little ones in AHG are being sold to brothels.  Families are that in need that this really is what is happening in this country.  It truly is hard to imagine.  By getting girls educated and providing the funds to do that...girls are being saved and rescued from that life.  That is why Creating Hope for Cambodia exists today.  Our kids don't need to understand the full reason behind what this ministry is about but they can understand the need to help others that just need to stay in school...and we even had AHG families and kids part of this event this past weekend.  Kids sold lemonade, made paper craft items, food and other very cute things.  This event will be held again next Fall and handmade, quality items can be made by kids all year round...and will help save a little girl.  You can find out more info about Creating Hope for Cambodia at their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/CreatingHope4Cambodia

Session 2:

Each level broke into groups and had their own time of learning about service that was related to their age level.

Tenderhearts - These great girls had a chance to chat about what service is with Jessica and had some great ideas.  We went over a few of the questions that are listed at the end of this post and the goal was to get the girls to think about what we could do for service that maybe they haven't already done.  We also wanted them to think about what they enjoy doing and realize that they can use that as service too.  Some of the girls like to make cookies.  Some shared that they rake their neighbors' leaf pile, and many of them like to talk with others.  :)  They were all so cute as they shared and were thinking about what they could do.  After the conversation the Tenderhearts had about 20 minutes where they worked on making blankets for the Hugs From Hunter Foundation.  There were quite a few colorful blankets being made in the room!  (Leaders...thanks for doing all that cutting!)

Explorers - Mrs. Gisi met with this group and they had a story that was shared about poverty and bullying.  The girls had a great conversation after the story that was coordinated with this book and the contents...and also helped the girls think about what their talents are and gifts God gave them and how they can use those to help others.

Pi/Pa - Marti Ogren met with these older girls and shared about the Days for Girls organization.  This organization is in place because girls in other countries are not able to go to school or work when they have their period.  They have no way to take care of themselves during this time because the products we are used to in the US aren't available and are too expensive.  Because of that...they don't get to stay at school and can't attend, those that are working can't go to work and miss out on that income.  The good news is...we can help them!  We can make items that will help them stay at school and at work so they don't have to miss any days.  We saw a sample bag that is just like what the girls would receive...it includes several flannel square pieces, some with clips and snaps, soap, washcloth and it is all included in a bag that the girls can use.  We will be having a special Pi/Pa service day coming up soon that is just for this service project...so let your daughter know that our AHG troop is helping them.  We have already collected many items of flannel for this project and bars of soap to send too.

Session 3:

This was the moment where all the girls had a chance to do something for someone else.  We talked about three different things in this session:

just a few of the notes AHG girls wrote
for the Service Opp board

1. Notes for Others.  All the girls had the opportunity to write a note, draw a picture and tape it on a piece of candy or bag of food.  These notes and food items are going to be given to girls in our community that are part of various organizations that are serving girls that are similar ages to the girls in our AHG troop.  We will also be sharing some with the volunteers of those organization as a way to say "thanks for helping these girls".  Some of the groups that we will be providing the notes to are:  Teen MOPS teens (teens who are pregnant and/or are moms), Teen MOPS childcare (the childcare portion of the Teen MOPS ministry), Next Chapter Ministries (there are groups that work with elementary and high schoolers that are at-risk or come from crime prone families and situations.  Bible studies are done, trips with the kids and relationship building to help the kids know that they are loved and they are important.)
2. Operation Christmas Child.  Many of our AHG families know about OCC and the impact that it has around the world.  What many families don't know about though is the waiting list that is in these countries with hundreds of names just waiting for their turn to receive a box.  I learned a few weeks ago about this waiting list and how many kids just receive 1 box their entire childhood.  After they receive 1, they go on the waiting list to receive another.  Many grow out of the OCC system before another box is received.  Many families put these boxes together with their own kids...but as our kids get older we often forget that the need is still there.  This year we are challenging our AHG troop to put together at least 1 box if they haven't done one before or 1 more if they usually are part of this ministry already.  We will be collecting these boxes at the next AHG meeting and will see if we can cover the stage with boxes!  Are you interested in more info?  The website for Operation Christmas Child has all the details (link is right here!)...and you can even follow the box that you put together and find out what country your box went to.  
3. AHG Service Opp Board.  What tugs at your heart?  What is making your heart flutter?  Those are the questions that we asked the girls last night.  What is it that you are thinking of that you want to do to help others.  Our goal isn't for the girls to want to just fill out the service log to get that star for their vest...we want them to experience what having a heart for service is all about.  We have very talented and gifted girls and those girls can do some amazing things for others with what they are able to do.  We ended the night by giving the girls a chance to write down their ideas...what they were thinking of...what they were wanting to do.  Some took these pink pieces of paper home with them.  Some filled them out right there on the spot and had huge smiles on their faces.  We will have a board full of pink papers at our next meeting...and each additional meeting...and would love for the girls to write down all of their ideas.  As they implement their service idea...we will put a big star over those pink pieces of paper so we can see as a troop that the idea is being put into action.

Our service night may not have been typical and didn't provide the complete hour of service that we usually have for each girl...but our hope was:  

• that the girls would understand that anyone at any age can do something to help and we are all talented in many different ways.  
• The opportunities are really endless for service...we can participate in something that is already out there that needs help or we can even come up with our own thing.
• that the girls would discover that service is a project from their heart...and that a tug or flutter that they might feel is a good thing.  Service is more than just a to-do list to get a star and we should have that feeling of "I want to..." rather than "I must do so many hours to get 1 star".  It is a heart thing...not a to-do thing.

What's Next?

• Bell Ringing!  Right now we do have ways for families to serve...and one of those includes Ringing Bells with The Salvation Army!  Our date this year is December 7th and times are starting to fill up.  This is a family favorite for many in AHG and is a great way to also start serving with your child.  All the details for this service opp is at this link:  Salvation Army Bell Ringing
• Collecting soap and flannel.  We will continue to collect these items until they are shipped off to the Days for Girls Organization.  Keep bringing those in!  We will also be collecting new washcloths for this organization during the month of December.
• Special Service Day.  Plans are in the works for a Special Service Day for AHG.  We will work on the Days for Girls bags that need to be sewn and the items that go inside.  Depending on the space and availability of volunteers, we will expand this and include other service items so all ages can participate.  We will let AHG families know about this event and the details in December.
• OCC.  Boxes will be collected at the next AHG meeting.  These are a fun activity to do with your child and there are some great videos about OCC on their website that help you and your child understand the impact OCC has overall.  Boxes will not be accepted late...so don't forget! 

Here are some questions that you can ask your child that some had a chance to talk about in their groups:

• ·      What do you think service is?  (remind them that it is not always to just help people…they can help those they know, strangers, animals, our community and world)
•       If Jesus was in Rochester, MN right now, driving on our streets, walking around town, what do you think he would say we should be doing for this town? 
•       Can you think of anyone your age that is helping others with service?
•       What are some of your favorite things to do?  Is there a way you could use the things that you like as a way to help others?
•       What is 1 thing that you haven’t ever done for AHG service that you would like to try this year?  Who would this type of service help?  How would you put this plan in action?

     Thanks!  

     Jessica Williams

     Service Coordinator

Service Night Coming Up - November 4th!

Our next AHG meeting is SERVICE NIGHT!  Mark it down.  

What to bring:

• helpful heart
• great attitude
• a smile
• And...we are still collecting flannel fabric (sheets, blankets, etc.) and travel sized soaps.  The container has been filling nicely but I know there are more items out in those closets. 

It has been about a year since our last service night...we had bad weather last year that helped rearrange our schedule for us.  This year, we are kicking off our AHG Service Night with a bang and have a fabulous night planned for all of you!  I am going to predict no snow for the day right now so you don't have to even think that AHG might be cancelled.  ;)

Parents...this is your special invitation to stick around with your child and join us for as much of the night that works for your schedule.  We will have chairs in the back of the room that are yours to use and will give you have a chance to see and hear what this service night is all about for our AHG troop.  Our night is going to be full of new things for the AHG girls and having a parent alongside to share in this learning and growing is really an important part of service.

Parents...this is also the start of our fundraiser.  Plan a few extra minutes dropping off your daughter so you can pick up the packets that will be waiting for you.  More details will be coming in an e-mail about this process.

See you on Monday!

-Jessica

Ring The Bells! with the Salvation Army

We will soon be hearing those bells ringing for The Salvation Army very soon...and we will be part of that fun again this year!

Did you know that an average amount of money that is brought in through the ringing the red kettle bells is over $50/hour?  This money helps residents in our area that are in need.  

Sign-ups have started to pick a time when you can help raise money for The Salvation Army!  Look for the sign-ups at the registration tables at the next meeting.

Here are the details on The Salvation Army Bell Ringing:

• Find a time frame that works for you and your family
• You can sign up as a parent/child (2 people), a parent/child pair or trio (3 people max) or a group that is a maximum of 5 people.  Someone must always be with the AHG child during this event.
• Time to ring bells is 30 minutes.  
• The location that we have is for Hobby Lobby.  This location is in their lobby, between the inside doors and the outside doors.  You won't be standing out in the cold but you may get a little breeze every now and then as the doors open.
• Uniforms should be worn...and bring gloves or a long sleeve shirt/sweat just in case you get a little chilly.

We are cutting back on the days our troop has committed to helping so you will want to sign up fast if you want to participate with Troop 0521.  If the date and times we have committed doesn't work for you there are other times to help out too and are available through The Salvation Army!  It is quick and easy to sign up and is a great way to get your family involved this Christmas season.  You can find out more information here:  Salvation Army Red Kettle Website

Can't help out in person?  The Salvation Army has another way for you to help with The Red Kettle!  An online Red Kettle is available also and bell ringing can be done virtually.  You can work with your child as they tell your family, friends and others in our virtual world that bell ringing has begun and donations can be made online.  For more details on the Virtual Bell Ringing...check out this link:  Virtual Bell Ringing.

Parents, sign-ups start now...
so if any of these days and times work, please e-mail Jessica at mominmn@gmail.com with what your family would like to do and how many people will be ringing during that time.  We will keep this page updated with the times available and will be as fast as possible with any changes that occur.  We will also have this list available at the meetings in November at the AHG table.

Dates and Times Available:
Saturday, December 7th
         
          Time available (spots available in bold)

• 9:00- 9:30am (Mckenzie Family with 2, Gathje family with 3)
• 9:30am - 10:00am (Kundert Family with 2, Korinek Family with 2)
• 10:00am - 10:30am (Kundert Family)
• 10:30am - 11:00am (Kristy Larson family with 2, Jones Family with 3)
• 11:00am - 11:30am (Baum Family)
• 11:30am - 12:00pm (Ganfield Family with 2, Click Family with 3)
• 12:00pm - 12:30pm (Thorstenson family with 2, 3 people)
• 12:30pm - 1:00pm (Brooks Family with 5)
• 1:00pm - 1:30pm (Larson family with 2, Olson Family with 2 and Lily Gee)
• 1:30pm - 2:00pm (Larson family with 2, Olson Family with 2 and Lily Gee)
• 2:00pm - 2:30pm (Gowan family & friends)
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm (Gowan family & friends)
• 3:00pm - 3:30pm (Baskett Family with 2, 3 people)
• 3:30pm - 4:00pm (Gisi Family)
• 4:00pm - 4:30pm  (Gisi Family)
• 4:30pm - 5:00pm (Storm Family with 5)

Fill The Trucks - Winter Outerwear Event

Winter OuterWear Collection

Every year many families in our area struggle to find warm enough clothes for themselves and their kiddos.  This is our chance to take our gently used coats or purchase a new coat and give them to someone who will use them in a few months.  It gets cold here...and a coat, hat and gloves is something that EVERYONE needs.

How can you help?

1)  Collect winter coats and accessories at the Fill The Trucks events on Oct 4 & 5 (Hy-Vee) and Oct 18 & 19 (Wal-Mart) 

or...

2)  Bring those needed items to these events!

Other areas to help with this yearly event:

Sort all winter outerwear items Oct 7-25 at various times

Distribute coats and accessories to families in need Oct 28 & 29 

More information and sign up is available at this link:  

Sign up for one or many volunteer shifts here

Service Opp for AHG family

One of our AHG families could use some help...and we are letting all of you know about this service opp.  

The Vold family has a mom that is an AHG leader, Sheryl, and a daughter, Emily, that has been part of the troop for a few years.  Sheryl's Vold's mom, Sharon, had a stroke while vacationing in Florida last week. Sheryl is now in Florida with her mom. The dad is at home with the girls-- Emily is 12, Becka is 2. 

 

How can YOU help?  Meals would be appreciated and the family doesn't have any allergies.  If you are willing to help please check out the website below for more info.  This site is very easy to use and meals are available (as of now) starting October 2nd.

Thanks!

http://www.TakeThemAMeal.com/meals.php?t=OLQW7681

October Service Opp at Meetings

Out troop has learned of a wonderful organization that we will be helping this year.  More info is coming for you parents  about this group so check back soon or sign up for updates via email.

To get started, here are some brief details...

- our troop will be helping put together packets of items that will be helpful for girls that live in other countries.

- without these necessary items, these girls are not able to attend school.

What we are collecting at our October AHG meetings:

- travel sized bars of soap (not liquid soap). This is the best size for this project and can even be new bars of soap you get from hotel stays.

- used flannel.  We are looking for sheets specifically but could also use flannel fabric.  Please wash and dry fabric before donating.

Check those closets.  Unpack those toiletry bags and bring those bars of soap and flannel to the meetings in October.  Look for the AHG Service Box that is used for donations.

Girls...track your time on your service log as you are hunting in your home for these items.

Thanks!

Lemonade for Sale...for a cause!

Troop 0521has a few connections to an organization called Inheritance of Hope...Leaders that work here, girls that have participated in some of the events put on by this organization and leaders who will be running a marathon to help raise money for this great cause.

What is Inheritance of Hope?
View this video to learn all about this organization in 4 minutes...it will answer most, if not all of your questions.

Our AHG Troop supports the work that is being done with this organization and recently learned about how one of our leaders is raising money for IOH as an athlete.  Heather Mosman will be running in a marathon in 16 days and is working on raising money for this organization...and we thought it would be great if our troop stepped along side and helped raise donations at the same time.

AHG Troop 0521...this is your chance to help families and serve them and gather donations right along with Heather.  One of the best things...this is all going to be led by you!  YOU get to be the creative ones and decide how, when and what exactly you will be doing.

Before we get into the how's and what's, take a moment and get to know Heather a little bit more by reading what is on her sponsor page at Inheritance of Hope:

I first ran for Team IOH in 2010 at the Walt Disney Half Marathon and knew I would do it again.  When I got a call from the Team IOH Director in mid June I had no intention of training for anything in the near future, especially a marathon.  They were looking for runners for the ING NYC marathon.  After some some consideration, I decided this was not the race for me.  However, my commitment to this organization and excitement to serve them was revived when, in the same week, I met Tara.  Tara has ovarian cancer.  She, her husband, and 5 children were supposed to attend a Legacy Retreat in May, but were unable due to health complications.  Meeting Tara was a reminder of why this organization is so great.  IOH is showing God's love to families with a parent facing terminal illness.  God is working powerfully through this organization to care for these families.  I have seen the love, the founders, staff, and volunteers pour into the Legacy Retreats to make them a place of respite and growth for the families who attend.

While I chose not to run in NYC, I did decide now was the time to run for Team IOH again.  I would be running anyway, maybe not quite this much, but running.  So I will run with greater purpose and intention as I train for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.  I am thankful that I have the privilege to pick and choose the marathon I run.  The families IOH serves didn't choose the "marathon" they are enduring.  It is the will and endurance of these families that will fuel my own.

How Can We Help?  This is an optional activity but one that can be done that fits with your time, your activities you are already involved in and what you are wanting to do.  Here are a few ideas for you to make this a success for everyone involved:

• lemonade stands in your neighborhood.  Gather up your friends, your mom or dad, siblings...and set up a stand for the public to buy your tasty lemonade.  You get the supplies, make the signs, advertise on social media with your parents help and sell, sell, sell!  You set the prices and add the amount to the sponsor site when you are finished.
• bake sale (you could do this with your lemonade stand too!).  Spend some time making some great treats, package them up and sell them in your neighborhood or at a local event.  Set the prices and add the amount of money you raise to the sponsor site when you are finished.

After you are finished with your sale, visit Heather's sponsorship page and let her know how much money was raised by pledging that amount!  You can find the details at the page link here... http://inheritanceofhope.org/sponsorpage.html?eventid=53&regid=2261&rowid=2261

(if you would rather bring the money to an AHG meeting...we can work on that too and make that available).

Here are a few tips as you plan your sale:

• we have 16 days to help the athlete we are sponsoring!  Get those sales going and pray for some nice weather for the sales and for the day of the run.
• If you need some sturdy signs, you are welcome to borrow some "open house" signs that we have.  We use these for garage sales and you are welcome to contact me to pick these up.  We have several available.  (Jessica @ mominmn@gmail.com).  Just decorate a piece of paper to put on each side.  These stay up really well on those windy days.
• Do you live by a park?  The soccer fields?  Football fields?  This is a great time of year where many families are sitting and just relaxing for an hour or so as their child plays games.  Be strategic in your location because there are some very busy corners in Rochester right now on the weekends.  ;)
• Make a flyer and be sure to tell those who visit your sale what the money is being raise for...you can even make a flyer from the information at the Inheritance of Hope website at http://inheritanceofhope.org/
• This is not an AHG event so parents, you are responsible for your kids during these sales.

Be creative...have fun...and thank you for helping raise money for this organization!  Keep track of the hours that you put into this sale and write it down on your service log.

WELCOME BACK! 2013/2014 YEAR

A great big welcome to all of you at AHG!

Service is a passion of mine and I am so glad to have another year to share this passion with the girls in Troop 0521.  We have some great things planned already for this year and we will be sharing these details at meetings as well as on this site.

What is this site?  
This is the website that we use for the service part of Troop 0521.
As you know, AHG nights can have lots of info thrown at parents...places to sign up and girls to rush in and out as well.  This site was created because we know that it is sometimes hard to get info from the kids in full details and occasionally...it is just too busy of a night to stay for a few minutes and grab all the necessary paperwork.  We hope that this site will serve as a great communication tool for Troop 0521 as well as give the girls and their families a visual of the service aspect of AHG.

What do we post at this site?
Two things...
1) Any activity that we find or know about in the community that is service related.  These items can even be submitted by you!
2) All Troop 0521 Service activities and info.

We will also be posting forms that can be downloaded at home that are AHG service related.

How do I stay updated with this site?
It's easy!  Click on the spot that asks you to sign up via e-mail.  Anytime we have changes made to this website, you will be notified.  You can also check back for details at any point by just typing in the website address or adding it to your bookmarks.

What if I have a service related question?
Ask away!  I try to be at the start and end of all AHG meetings and usually am available for questions.  You can also send me an e-mail at mominmn@gmail.com.

Thanks for being part of AHG!
Jessica Williams
mominmn@gmail.com

Zollman Zoo help needed May 18th

Dawn Zollman of the Zollman Zoo at Oxbow Park would love it if we could help out with their Friends of Oxbow's Annual Spring Fest on May 18th from 11 am to 3 pm.  She is looking for at least 15 girls who could do face painting, monitor a "dig for treasure or critters" sandbox, supervise games like ring toss, hold pet goats for kids to pet, and monitor the fake cow as kids milk it.  We are thinking girls could take 2 shifts, either 11 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 3 pm.

Dawn will have a boy scout troop and a couple of 4Her's there to help also.  She is hoping that our AHG troop and others in town would be a great addition.

Are you interested in helping?  Contact Dawn Zollman ASAP, her phone number is 289-4442 and email is dawnzollman@gmail.com.

Tree Planting Saturday, April 27th

The city’s boulevard tree spaces are currently over half empty and each year 500-900 boulevard trees are removed to disease or damage. We need your help to add more community trees to this neighborhood. We’ll be planting 200 trees starting at Adventure Playground (part of Silver Lake Park) The trees for this event were sponsored by Rochester Public Utility and the City of Rochester. Part of this planting will focus on planting the “Right Trees in the Right Place” through placing short stature trees under power lines to prevent problems in the future!

Saturday, April 27
8:30 am
Starting Adventure playground (Part of Silver Lake Park)
Meet at the east side of the parking lot next to Adventure playground, 840 7th Street NE
No Cost

There is no pre-registration needed and all ages are welcome. On the day of the planting, just look for the RNeighborWoods table and smiling people with safety orange vests. There will be free refreshments and t-shirts for volun-trees thanks to our sponsors.

We’ll introduce our Citizen Foresters, go over the logistics of the planting, divide into groups, and then plant trees within this neighborhood. Print or email this PLANTING POSTER for your friends!

In order to diversify our urban forest we will plant:

• Ginkgo
• Kentucky Coffeetree
• China Snow Lilac
• Redbud
• Disease Resistant Elm

See the photos from our 2012 spring planting on our Facebook page. We planted 1,200 trees in North East Rochester last spring.

For more about RNeighborWoods including partners, events, and photos, check our website.

Did you know that trees make a difference in many aspects of a neighborhood? The below information is from the Alliance for Community Trees and additional facts and figures can be found on their website.

• Lower crime.
  The presence of trees in urban neighborhoods has been linked to reduced crime.
• Cleaner air
  Trees provide the oxygen we breathe. One acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people to breathe each day and eliminates as much carbon dioxide from the air as is produced from driving a car 26,000 miles.
• Energy savings.
  Trees lower the temperature through shade. The cooling effects of trees can save millions of energy dollars.
• More public revenue.
  Studies have shown that trees enhance community economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists.
• Higher property values.
  Property values of homes with trees in the landscape are 5 – 20% higher than equivalent properties without trees.
• More efficient stormwater management.
  One tree reduces 4000 gallons of storm water runoff annually. 400 trees will capture 140,000 gallons of rainwater annually. That is, 4 million trees would save $14 million in annual storm water runoff costs.

Date Change! A Litter Bit Better - family or parent/child event with AHG now on April 25th

DATE & TIME CHANGE!  We have rescheduled due to the snow coming down this morning and the rain that will be here all afternoon.  Join us instead on Thursday, April 25th from 6:30 pm - 7:30pm.  Same location.

Who:  All AHG families!  :)  Bring your family...get your brothers and sisters to come along with you...or just bring a parent or grandparent to help with this activity!

What:  We will be helping clean up our community.  Every spring Rochester has an event called A Litter Bit Better.  AHG has been helping out with this project for a few years now and ties in great to one of the badges that can be earned.

When:  Sunday, April 21st - Date change...not Thursday, April 25th

Time:  3:00 - 4:00pm  Time Change for new date...6:30 pm - 7:30pm

Where:  We will be parking at Christ Community Church by the front doors and walking over to the park across the road.

Questions?  E-mail Jessica at mominmn@gmail.com

- Bring some gloves and wear some shoes that are good to walk in.  No AHG uniform required but you can wear the AHG t-shirts for this event. -

We will have a few treats after we are done...so come on out and join us!