VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People)

Dear VEAP Member Congregation,

We wrapped up another successful Holiday Toy Program at VEAP and I wanted to say Thank You. Thank you so much for all of your support and donations. It is truly amazing to see the outpouring of generosity from Normandale, its members, and other churches to make this program possible.

Thousands of toys were received along with books, games, gift cards, and winter wear. When we were short of donations, people stepped up and came forward with just what we needed so we could serve all of the families arriving. Every donation really mattered so we could serve each child equally. By working together we met our goal and the need this year.

For everyone who donated, know your contribution is greatly appreciated by VEAP and all those we serve. We have already received thank you notes and phone calls from families expressing their gratitude for the help they have received; it was certainly expressed each day as parents came and were assisted by the volunteers selecting a gift for their girls and boys. The "thank you’s" in multiple languages, tears of joy and hugs were just a few ways our guests wanted to let us know how much they appreciated everything they received.

We are still counting the final numbers, but we know over 4,800 children received gifts and more than three thousand households received Cub Cards for a holiday meal. With your support, VEAP was able to help our neighbors create and maintain holiday traditions for their families.

Thank you to everyone who helped lead up the toy collection at your church. Your time and energy is not unnoticed and it is GREATLY appreciated. We simply cannot do what we do here without you.

THANK YOU!

Krista Phillips, Children and Youth Services Manager

VEAP, a local, nonprofit organization, provides basic needs and services to low-income families and individuals who reside in Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, and South Minneapolis (south of 50th street and west of Cedar Avenue) through four main programs: Food, Seasonal, Social Services, and Transportation.

You can still contribute food items for families that need help to have a brighter Thanksgiving: baking mixes, boxed potatoes, dessert mixes, rice, canned fruit. Place food in the baskets that are located by the library, canopy entrance, and Preschool entrance.

To volunteer at VEAP, call 952-888-9616.

Some of the ways Normandale helps VEAP:

• • Financial: Our 2011 budget allocates $6,600 to support VEAP.
• • Foodshelf: Volunteers bring food collected from our members to VEAP in February, April, June, August, October, and December to replenish their foodshelf. Drop baskets are located in the church by the Library, Preschool lobby, and the Canopy entrance.

Contact: Ben Reagan, Social Ministry Team Chair, socialministry@normluth.org, 952-929-1697