MAPLE GROVE, MN (February 26, 2025) |
TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, held their fourth annual Winter Gear Drive during the month of January benefitting local non-profits, Avenues for Youth, Karen Organization of Minnesota, MORE Community Services and YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services. TopLine members and employees generously donated winter gear items of youth and adult size jackets, boots, gloves, hats, scarves, socks and more to help bring warmth to those in need in our local communities.
Employees were able to participate by donating winter gear items and money in exchange for a “Foundation Friday/Saturday” sticker, allowing them to wear jeans to work. TopLine and community members could also purchase items from an Amazon Wishlist or Target Registry and have them delivered directly to TopLine, and in return delivered to the charitable partners. When the program ended TopLine employees and members had donated over 493 winter gear items and $1,191 in cash to assist local individuals and families.
"We are dedicated to meeting the needs identified by our nonprofit partners through various donation drives," said Mick Olson, President and CEO of TopLine. “We are grateful for the generosity of our donors who have supported youth, adults, and families in our communities by donating coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and other warm winter items. We deeply appreciate our nonprofit partners who handle the distribution of all collected items."
Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services for homeless youth in a safe and nurturing environment. There are over 6,000 homeless youth in Minnesota each night. Avenues shelters in Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis help over 300 youth. Visit www.avenuesforyouth.org.
Karen Organization of Minnesota provides refugees with resources and programs to remove barriers and achieve economic, social and cultural well-being. Visit https://mnkaren.org.
MORE Community Services provides refugees and immigrants with education and support, helping them achieve economic and social independence today and for generations to come. Visit more-empowerment.org.
The YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit https://www.ymcanorth.org/