Collaborative Corner on the Move

By Jeannie Pederson, Pope County Initiative Coordinator

Though it seems early as we’ve been enjoying the beautiful fall colors and temps, the season of thanksgiving is upon us. Special memories arise of stories shared by families who have appreciated groceries that include a holiday meal and gifts for their children through Armful of Love. Our community has reached out to hundreds of families through your generous donations of funds and gifts to help brighten their Christmas.

Armful of Love committee members are preparing for the program that serves families/guardians of children from infants -18 years living in their household. The Pope County program was created by three women. They had received help and wanted to give back by providing the same for others. Their legacy continues on to help relieve stressors that families may experience over the holiday season. After 15+ years, they asked the Pope County Family Collaborative to take on the coordination of the program which it has done for nearly 25 years.

Thank you in advance to all who support families through Armful of Love 2022!

**Registration Now Open for Armful of Love 2022❤

Registration forms are available through the Pope County Family Collaborative, schools, human services and public health. Registration deadline is November 18 though participants are encouraged to sign up now.

Questions? Call Jeannie Pederson- Pope County Family Collaborative at 320-634-3909.

**Ways to Support Children & Families Through Armful of Love 2022❤

If community members, businesses or organizations would like to help by adopting a family, call Jeannie Pederson – 634-3909 or Mary Walsh – 239-1317.

To donate funds, please note Armful of Love on the check and send to the Collaborative fiscal agent: Pope County Human Services, Armful of Love, 211 Minnesota Avenue East, Suite 200, Glenwood, MN  56334. Donations are accepted through January 31, 2023.

More information will follow regarding drop-off sites for gifts in the coming weeks.

Organizers are very appreciative of all the community support provided for this program to help local families.