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Simon Says Give

Accomplish MN is partnering with Simon Says Give on their annual High Five for Supplies backpack drive. The 3rd Annual High Five for Supplies drive kicked off on July 7 and runs through August 14.

In their second annual backpack drive in 2013, the group was able to pack 1,000 backpacks and supplies for underprivileged youth in the area. This year, with the help of Accomplish MN and other corporate partners, the goal is to pack 10,000 backpacks and supplies. Drop boxes will be located at all Twin Cities YMCA's, the Andover, Blaine and Maple Grove Walmart stores and at each stand-alone TCF Bank location.

During the drive, WCCO-TV anchors Jason DeRusha and Amelia Santaniello, along with Accomplish MN will be out collecting supplies on July 29. Jason will be at the Maple Grove Walmart from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Amelia will be at the Southdale YMCA from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will also be a phone bank available on that day for viewers to make a monetary donation. A fully stocked backpack with all the supplies inside costs $50. The backpacks and supplies will be sorted and packed at the Eagan Community Center August 15-17.

Simon Says Give is a nonprofit founded by Mandi Simon when she was only 7 years old. With a mission of Kids Celebrating Kids, SSG supports kids with birthday celebrations. In addition, in honor of Mandi's August birthday, they celebrate her by giving school readiness to underprivileged youth with their annual High Five for Supplies drive.

To donate during our July 29 phone bank, call 1-800-542-9226. The phone bank will be open from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 10:35 p.m. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards backpacks and supplies.

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The goal is 10,000 backpacks fully loaded with supplies.

August 15thAll donation boxes need to be dropped off at the Eagan Community Center, located at 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121 during the hours of 9am and 2pm.

August 16th and August 17th All the backpacks and supplies will be at the Eagan Community Center to be sorted and packed for delivery to kids.

August 16th– the volunteer hours will be from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

August 17th– the volunteer hours will begin at 10 a.m. until all backpacks are packed!

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Public Drop Box locations can be found at the 21 YMCA locations; all 43 TCF Branch locations; Andover, Blaine and Maple Grove Walmart locations, Express Employment Professionals Eagan and Edina locations, Hope Chest Saint Paul and Orono locations; Maplewood Community Center; and the Bloomington, Golden Valley and Eagan Venture Bank locations.

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Donation Item Ideas

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How to sign-up for volunteering?

Please go to the Sign-up Genius link to register to volunteer: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044DA9AB2EA13-high1

Contact info@simonsaysgive.org for more information about volunteer hours and needs or call Dina at 651-270-1118.

Where will the backpacks go?

The YMCA and the Beacon Network of Minneapolis.

YMCA Greater Twin Cities – the 21 YMCA's throughout the Twin Cities will be donation drop-box locations for the public to drop off supplies for High Five for Supplies. They will also be recipients of backpacks and supplies that will go back to kids within their respective communities.

YMCA & the Beacon Network of Schools - This organization works with 4000+ kids within the Minneapolis school system to provide before and after school care as well as summer care to kids that can't afford it.

The Visitation Monastery of Minneapolis. The Visitation Sisters are present in the inner city of North Minneapolis to be part of this multicultural community. At the end of August the sisters host a back-to-school night for hundreds of kids in the community.

The Minnesota Literacy Council. During the summer this organization works with 4000+ kids from K-3 in the "Summer Reads Program" throughout the state of Minnesota.

The Merrick Community in East St Paul. This organization provides essential core services aimed at improving the lives of the residents of Saint Paul's East Side. During back-to-school time they support the children with backpacks and supplies.

Kids 'n Kinship in Apple Valley. Kids n' Kinship is a nonprofit organization that provides friendships and positive role models to children and youth ages 5-16 who are in need of additional supportive relationship with an adult.

St. Stephen's Human Services.This organization was founded with a mission to end homelessness through programming that includes housing opportunities, employment support, emergency services and outreach, and systems change.

Catholic Charities of St Paul & Minneapolis. An organization well known for serving those most in need by providing shelter, meals, jobs and medical care

People Serving People. One of the largest and most comprehensive family-focused shelters in MN. They provide emergency shelters to a broad range of on-site services designed to address common barriers facing homeless families.

Boys and Girls Club. In the metro-area there are eight locations dedicated to support more than 12,000 youth from K-12th grade by providing programing and enriching experiences to kids focused on: Academic Success, Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles.

Tubman. This organization helps women, children and families struggling with relationship violence, substance abuse and mental health. Throughout the Twin Cities, Tubman provides safe shelter and services to families on the journey from chaos to restoration.

For more information check out their website: http://www.simonsaysgive.org/wcco

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