Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) has partnered with the EPCF HUB Ambassadors to establish a collaboration aimed at enhancing the volunteer landscape in Eden Prairie. We invite you to explore the following list of volunteer requests for the fall of 2023. Many of these organizations will be at the GIVE Gathering on September 28 if you’d like to learn more. Take a moment to peruse these opportunities and consider joining forces with these local organizations. Volunteers make things happen!
Volunteer needs for Fall, 2023, in alphabetical order.
Eden Prairie Community Band The Eden Prairie Community Band is an adult community band of over 60 musicians.
Website managerDates – 2-3 hours per season (spring, summer, fall, winter)Details – Ages 16 and up; Website design and management. Experience with WordPress or other online content management tool. Experienced enough to take over once given log-in information. Work from home.Contact – Joanne Bartel, jbartelpt@aol.com
Photo by Gillian Holte
In-house RoadieThe band seeks person(s) to assist in transporting percussion equipment inside the Central Middle School for band rehearsals.Dates –Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. start; individuals may opt to leave the school during actual rehearsal, 7:00-8:30 p.m., or stay in the rehearsal room and listen to band music.Details – Able to lift various percussion equipment weighing up to 30 lbs. and push loaded dolly while walking across the length of Central Middle School up to 4 times per evening. Family-friendly opportunity.Contact – Joanne Bartel, jbartelpt@aol.com
Eden Prairie Community EducationEden Prairie Community Education is dedicated to providing youth programming to enhance and grow learning opportunities for students. Our youth programs ignite new interests and challenge students in a fun, safe and supportive atmosphere.
Weekend Food for Kids DistributionVolunteers are needed to help with distributing bags of food for the weekly Weekend Food for Kids Program. This program provides free, culturally appropriate and shelf-stable food for children who don’t have access to the nutrition they need over weekends during the school year.Dates – September – June, Thursdays, 3:45-6:15 p.m.Details – Outside Door 4 of the district office’s Historic Gym at 8100 School Road (drive-up model). Ideally, to protect the privacy of recipients, volunteers would not have children in Eden Prairie Schools. Contact – Olivia Antilla, Olivia_Antilla@edenpr.k12.mn.us (note underscore)
Eden Prairie AM RotaryMembers of the Eden Prairie Rotary Club demonstrate Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” We support local and worldwide causes that make a positive difference.
Buckthorn RemovalJoin the Rotary Club as we remove buckthorn from Edenbrook Conservation Area.Dates – October 21, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.Details – Edenbrook Park, 6600 Duck Lake Road, Eden PrairieContact – Blake Cadwaller
Photo courtesy of Eden Prairie Morning Rotary
Healthy Kids Running Series – Eden Prairie
Healthy Kids Running Series is a west metro running series for kids of all abilities ages 2-18 who are looking to share their love for running or learn more about the activity.
Race SupportVolunteers are needed to help with registration, course materials, finish line support (bib tearing, chute coordinator), passing out medals and trophies during award celebration.Dates – October 1 – October 8, 1-2 hours from either 3:00-4:30 p.m. or 4:00-5:30 p.m.Details – Great for individuals or for groups up to 5; 16 or older; younger youth can help if accompanied by an adult.Contact – Jen Knapp, EdenPrairieMN@HealthyKidsRS.org, 651-283-1729
Kaleidoscope TeensKaleidoscope Teens provides teens in grades 6-12 with support, education, and opportunities through direct programs and community-based resources. Volunteers are needed in three areas.
MealsProvide meals to the Teen Program.Dates – TuesdaysDetails – Food for 20+ (meal includes main course, salad, fruit, dessert, water bottles) or donate $75 to cover costs of one meal; Deliver by 6 p.m. to EP location near Highway 212 and Eden Prairie Road.Sign up – Meal TrainContact – Tammy Ryder-Harms, Tryderharms@kaleidoscopeteens.org
MentorsBe a one-to-one mentor for a teen (age 11-18) to provide support and to coach teens regarding future college and/or career plans.Dates – Varies, 1-year commitment preferredDetails – Regularly scheduled meetings with focused skill development lesson, and consistent access and communication with mentor via email, phone, and virtual meetings; 2-4 hours per month. Mentors attend one Tuesday program per month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., and meet with teens once per month. Background checks required; Training provided.Contact – Tammy Ryder-Harms, Tryderharms@kaleidoscopeteens.org
Onward Eden PrairieOnward Eden Prairie provides housing and support for young adults in professional or personal transition. The nonprofit runs a local home currently serving 4 residents.
Photo courtesy of Onward Eden Prairie
Meal or Ingredients DeliveryVolunteers are needed to provide and deliver meals and/or groceries for in-house cooking lessons as requested by residents. An ingredient list and recipe are provided.Dates – open dates September – DecemberDetails – volunteers will shop and drop off ingredients or prepare a predetermined meal/snack for four people.Sign up – Sign Up GeniusContact – Corey Sentieri, Corey@onwardep.org
Holiday CheerHelp find the perfect gift or supplies for Onward to celebrate special days and events.Dates – Weeks preceding Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter holidaysDetails –Program staff work with volunteers to coordinate drop offs when convenient.Contact – Corey Sentieri, Corey@onwardep.org
Super ShopperYou will be emailed a link to our Amazon and/or Target wish lists when there are specific supply needs for the house or residents.Dates – OngoingDetails – Shop from home. Purchase the supplies on Amazon and ship directly to Onward House.Contact – Corey Sentieri, Corey@onwardep.org
PROP FoodPROP provides nourishment to people in our community experiencing food insecurity. PROP also offers comprehensive support to Eden Prairie and Chanhassen residents facing financial, housing, or employment insecurity so that they may reach their goals for a more secure tomorrow.
DriversPick up food rescue, using a PROP van, from food partners within the Eden Prairie and Chanhassen community. PROP also has the occasional need for a driver to pick up community donations during later morning hours. Dates – 3-month commitment; Mondays and/or Fridays, 7:30-9:30 a.m.,Details – Must be able to lift 30-40 lbs. and have driver’s license and auto insurance; for ages 16+Contact – Paul Harcey, paulh@propfood.org, 952-767-1239Food Mart VolunteerAssist clients while they shop in the Food Mart. Hours for this position – This is a weekly commitment. Dates – 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or 2:30-6:30 p.m. Ongoing; weekly commitmentDetails – Orientation and training sessions are requiredContact – Cindy McPherson, cindym@propfood.org, 952-294-8378
Food Shelf VolunteerReceive, sort, and shelve food donations. Food shelf volunteers also shop part of the client food order. This is a weekly commitment.Dates – Ongoing; weekly commitmentDetails – Orientation and training sessions are requiredContact – Cindy McPherson, cindym@propfood.org, 952-294-8378
Office WorkAnswer the phone and schedule food mart appointments. Light computer skills needed. Dates – Ongoing; weekly commitmentDetails – Orientation and training sessions are requiredContact – Cindy McPherson, cindym@propfood.org, 952-294-8378
The PROP ShopThe PROP Shop serves local families in need with a donation center and resale store.
Warehouse VolunteersVolunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations of clothing, housewares, and furniture.Dates – Ongoing; Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., and/or Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays from 3-5 p.m.Details – ages 14 and up; no long-term commitment needed.Contact – Alicia Yost, alicia@propshopep.org
Photo by Sue Schadow