Notes from Mrs. Z.

http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-police-build-little-free-libraries/305100961/

The above article in the StarTribune today has inspired Chaplain Zosel to put out one more call for books this year.  Mrs. Z serves as a chaplain for the MPD during during her off hours, so would love to keep these new Little Free Libraries at the precincts stocked throughout the summer.  

We also have a team of staff and families that are keeping other "LFLs" stocked around the Twin Cities.

All types of books accepted - childrens books especially welcome.  Donations can be placed on our pink and yellow "Service Shelf" near door D.  

The Environmental Club and the Service Club are joining forces to support the Minneapolis Northside Eco Day clothing resale. Breck students will be helping to put on a used kids clothing sale, embracing the values of sustainability, recycling and reusing, as well as the belief that all kids should have access to quality educational opportunities.  Please consider donating used kids clothes in good condition.  We're looking for all sizes, from toddler to high school, and we'll be collecting donations from Wed. April 29th through Friday, May 8th.  Donations can be placed on "Service Shelf" near Gym C -   Thank you and Happy Earth Week!

Hi - if you have room in your class room blogs please publish:

"Birthday Wishes" extended through April 27

We are collecting items that make birthdays special,

cake mix, frosting, candles, paper plates, napkins,

for families in need. 

We have learned that people around the world celebrate in other ways and so we have also included

rice, noodles, cookie mix, and pizza crust mix.

Please bring donations to Service Shelf near Gym C.

Lower school students will deliver your items

to STEP food shelf.  Thanks!

Lower School’s "Birthday Wishes" - April 10-24

We are collecting items that make birthdays special, like cake mix, frosting, candles, paper plates, napkins, etc for families in need.  We have learned that people around the world celebrate in other ways and so we have also included rice, noodles, cookie mix, and pizza crust mix.

Please bring donations to our Service Shelf. First grade will deliver your items to STEP food shelf.  Thanks!

Serve our Community through Spring Cleaning!

Breck Service partners have requested these items:

Used clothing for ages 10-14 for DIVA, a youth mentoring program.

Used IPods for Walker nursing home residents

Used sheets, blankets, rugs for U of M Animal Hospital

Paper grocery bags for local food shelves

Used books for Little Free Libraries

Donations can be delivered to our "Service Shelf" by Door D 

Thanks!

A Tasty Service Opportunity

Make it a "Soup"-er Bowl Sunday! Join Breck friends at First Nations' Kitchen--a Sunday community meal, at All Saints' Indian Mission, 3044 Longfellow Avenue, Mpls

http://firstnationskitchen.org

Families are invited to chop, mix, set-up for the dining service, as well as serve, do dishwashing, bus tables, and clean up.  

Contact veronica.guevara@breckschool.org if you can help:

• cook (1-4 pm) (1-2 people)
• prep (1-3 pm)  (3 people)
• serve (4-6:30 pm) (7-10 people)
• set-up (3-5pm)  (2-4 people)
• tidy up (5:30-7:30pm)  (3-4 people)
• do a 'bread run' (1-3pm) (1-2 people)

Bring in your boxtops!  Each box top is worth 10 cents and they add up quickly.  Our goal this year is $1500.00.  All the money will be sent to schools in India that Mr. Thayer visited recently.  The students simply do not have enough to eat, and these funds will help immensely as they work to get  a school garden in place.  

Please bring in your box tops by Feb. 12.  Place in the PINK containers near entrances.  Thanks!

December Giving Opportunity

Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to people who live independently, but whose circumstances require outside assistance, including home bound elderly and disabled individuals who are at risk nutritionally and unable to prepare their own meals.  For many clients, the Meals on Wheels volunteer driver is the only person they see during the day. 

We would like to provide some small gifts for drivers to deliver during the holidays.  

Gifts that would be appreciated are:

1.      Warm, sturdy socks

2.      Gloves: it is easy to lose a pair!

3.      Towel sets

4.      Heating pad

5.      Lap robes

6.      slippers

7.      Toothpaste and tooth brushes

8.      Clothes washing detergent

9.       Shampoo/lotion/soap

10.      Tea or coffee assortment packs

Gift donations may be delivered to classrooms or to our "Service Shelf" near door D.

Introducing the “Grace Project”.  We are collecting all kinds of different prayers and traditions used by families to give thanks before a meal.

 Does your family have a special way of giving thanks or saying grace before eating together?

If you do, please email it to Chaplain Zosel (a.k.a Mrs. Z) - nan.zosel@breckschool.org

You could even draw a picture or take a photo or video of your family as you say grace.

We will share some of these prayers in chapel on Mon. Nov. 24.

And Mr. Thayer and his class will help us make a book of your prayers.

So, if you have one please send it in!

Thanks!

Lower School Halloween Collections

Gently used Halloween costumes can be donated to the STEP clothing closet.  Costumes are an extra expense that many families cannot afford.  If you have costumes that your child has outgrown you can place them in the basket on our "Service Shelf" near the Middle School entrance.  

And candy! We will be collecting candy as well, to send to U.S. military troops stationed overseas.  Left over Halloween candy will be collectedNov. 1-11.  Candy is a nice break from the standard military rations, and troops often share candy with children as a gesture of friendship. Candy can be placed on the "Service Shelf" as well.

Lower School Fall food Drive - Sept. 8-24

Food, Fitness and Fun - Our Phy. Ed Dept. will co-sponsor this effort to collect donations of HEALTHY food for our local food shelf - S.T.E.P.  Nutrition in our country has improved EXCEPT for people in poverty.  If you would like to participate help your children check food labels and select their favorite healthy food to donate.  Boxed and canned food may be sent to student's classrooms.  The classes with the most donations will receive a fun fitness reward in gym class!

P.S. - if your garden has produced an abundant harvest keep in mind that most food shelves now accept donations of fresh produce.  Go towww.gardengleaning.org to find a food shelf and their hours of operation.