Volunteering & Serive Opportunities - CLICK HERE!

Poetry Contest
The Ramsey County Library is sponsoring a poetry contest themed "Civic Engagement.”  It can include poetry written about anything from politics to volunteering to public policies to electoral participation.  Poets who wish to be considered must be available to attend the Poetry Slam led by Slam Master Cynthia French on Saturday, May 3, at 2 p.m., at Ramsey County Library - Maplewood. Contestants will perform their poetry and will be judged by members from the community. Prizes will be awarded. Entries are due by April 20, 2008. Mail entries to: 2008 Library Poetry Contest, 4570 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, MN 55126.

Herberger's/Goodwill Easter Seal
Students, faculty and staff may pick up 20 percent off coupons to Herberger's from the Academic Advising Center, if they promise to donate one clothing item per coupon to Goodwill Easter Seals. Donations may be donated to Goodwill, located off of University and Fairview Avenues Coupons are valid March 26 through April 7, 2008. For more information, please contact Theresa Leko at leko@csp.edu.

Silverware Drive
The Office of Service-learning is sponsoring a silverware drive during the week of April 14-18 to benefit the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul. Please donate any used or new, metal silverware. Please see the attached poster for more information.  Some people have asked if they could advertise this at their church. Fliers are available; please contact Theresa Leko if you would like to include your church in this drive.

Nursing Home
Visitor is needed for a bright, interesting older woman at the Golden Living Center-Lynnhurst. The woman's interests include video games, classical music and "I Love Lucy." The nursing home is located close to campus, off of University and Prior Avenues.  For more information, contact Theresa Leko

Service-Learning Conference
Volunteer at the National Service-Learning Conference!  The conference is being held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from April 10-12, 2008.  Volunteer your time for about 1 ½ hours on one of these days. Volunteers are needed for the Letters for Peace service project, which invites conference participants to write letters to children in Iraq as a sign of peace. Students, faculty or staff can volunteer as greeters for this project or as translators (if they know Arabic!). This project will take place in the exhibit hall at the convention center. Various shifts are available. Please contact Theresa Leko at leko@csp.edu for more information or to sign up!

Disaster Relief Help
On August 19-20, 2007, the rains came to southeastern Minnesota.  Some towns, like Rushford, Stockton, and Minnesota City, were especially hard hit. While we haven't heard much about the ongoing need—the work is not nearly done, and many people remain disheartened along with being financially and emotionally stretched. A "Work Week" has been set aside specifically for volunteers from the LCMS and their friends April 15 to 20, (Tuesday-Saturday) 2008.  Housing in local churches will be made available for those who want to serve several days or you can also serve just one day (it is about 2 1/4 hours from the Twin Cities).  There is a need for both skilled and unskilled workers.  There will be rebuilding, and if the weather permits, there will be outdoor clean-up.  Volunteers are needed to talk with and encourage the residents and to help prepare meals for volunteers.  Praying with and for homeowners is also very important.  This has been a discouraging time for many and they can use some optimism and hope.  For more information, or to register individually or as a group, contact Vicki Strong, who is coordinating disaster relief work for LCMS Minnesota North and South Districts, strongv@woodburylutheran.org.  You may also go to Woodbury Lutheran's website www.woodburylutheran.org, or call Vicki at 651.730.5049 (home) or 651.208.4353 (cell).

Homeless Shelter
St. Peter Claver Church, located near Lexington Avenue and Hwy 94, will be housing homeless families during the month of April. The church needs overnight volunteers to interact with the families (mostly children). Overnight shifts are available on April 1, 3, 6, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28 and 30.  To sign up or for more information, please contact Julie Jochum Gartrell at jochum@csp.edu.