SPECIAL EVENTS
Winter Walkabout
Vinland Center hosts the Second Annual Winter Walkabout Sat, Feb. 19. A 3k snowshoe course is added to the event. Skålmusik will perform inside the heated tent. Skålmusik is a Scandinavian ensemble who have performed for the King and Queen of Sweden and appeared on A Prairie Home Companion. Gather pledges, have fun and support Vinland. Individual need to raise at least $25 and families of three or more $60. FFI: WinterWalk about.org
OPPORTUNITIES
Be more accessible
More than $220,000 will be available to arts organizations in the seven-county metro area to make facilities or programs more accessible to people with disabilities. VSA Minnesota administers this grant opportunity, using funds from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Seventeen groups have received grants; are you next? Deadlines are Jan. 14 and April 29, 2011. For more info: (612) 332-3888 V/TTY or www.vsamn.org
VOLUNTEER, DONATE
Give away that car
Autos for Arc™ can take old vehicles off your hands, give you a tax deduction and say “Thank you!” for helping change the lives of people with disabilities. Autos for Arc accepts cars and trucks of any model and condition and other vehicles including boats (with trailers), RVs, ATVs, golf carts, personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Revenue from the sale of donated items helps fund Arc Greater Twin Cities’ programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Within the seven-county metro area, Autos for Arc can arrange to have a vehicle towed free of charge. Call the toll-free Autos for Arc hotline, 1-877-778-7709, to arrange a pickup. Or drop off vehicles at a Value Village location. FFI: 1-877-778-7709, www.autosforarc.org
Volunteer with RSVP
Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612-617-7821
Be a reading tutor
Encouraging, enthusiastic volunteers needed to help adults learn to read! Spark a love of literature and partner with someone new by tutoring at one of the many convenient locations throughout the metro area. Ongoing training and support is provided by the Minnesota Literacy Council. FFI: Allison, 651-645-2277 x219 or email volunteer@themlc.org, or visit www.themlc.org
