Date & Location announced!

Save the dates!

Friday January 24th, 2014: Collecting and sorting donations

Saturday January 25th: The main event!

Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4700 Edinbrook Terrace

Brooklyn Park, MN

Times TBA

We need people to hang posters, collect & sort donations, make signs, contact community organizations and help keep things tidy--we need YOU!!

Please leave a comment or email mngiftsoftheheart@gmail.com if you would like to help and/or donate!

The first MN Exchange--Feb. 2, 2013

Well, yesterday was a roaring success! When I first had the impression that I needed to do the Exchange in this area I had no idea what to expect. Would people donate? Would people come? Would people volunteer? I knew I couldn't pull this off on my own, but I also knew that the inspiration came from God, so He would make things work.

Sometimes I would forget that He was really in charge, and then I would get a little nervous. As of 4 days before the event the only donations I knew about were the bags in my garage, so I kept repeating to myself what I'd been telling others: This idea didn't come from my little head--it came from a loving God, and I'm expecting a loaves & fishes miracle.

Sure enough, I got it:

Over two days 45 members of my church congregation spent over 180 volunteer hours sorting and organizing thousands of pieces of clothing, toys, books and household items. Around 200 members of our community came and took almost everything home. The leftovers went to "Everyday Miracles" in Minneapolis and the Arc's Value Village in Brooklyn Center.

Can't wait to do it again next year! Be sure to "like" us on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MnGiftsOfTheHeart) to find out more!

The official announcement!

FAQ: Volunteering

Q: This event sounds amazing. How can I help?

A: Hooray! Since this event is run by volunteers (well, actually only one right now), we/I can use lots of help! If you are interested in helping with publicity, sorting donations, collecting donations or bringing me cookies (j/k), I can use you! Email MNGiftsOfTheHeart@gmail.com and let me know what you'd like to do, and I'll put you to work! Thank you, thank you!

FAQ: Donations

Q: What can I donate? Are there items you won't accept?

A: If you have clothing, toys or baby gear that you or your kids have outgrown (or just don't use anymore), you can donate them to our event. We accept good quality children's, women's and men's clothing, children's toys and baby gear. We do not accept electronics, expired car seats, trashy household items or anything that you wouldn't be willing to take home with you.

Please sort your clothing donations into these categories and put them in a marked bag--a permanent marker on a plastic grocery bag works well!

Boy/Girl
0-6 month
6-12 month
12-18 month
2T
3T
4T
5-6
7-8
10-12
14+
Maternity (S/M/L)
Women's (S/M/L)
Mens (S/M/L)
Baby gear
Toys
Shoes

You can drop off you donations at the building the Friday before the exchange from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 6 - 8 p.m., or contact Claire at MNGiftsOfTheHeart@gmail.com to arrange a different time to donate. Thank you for donating! It is important to give as well as to receive!

FAQ: Who

Q: Who is the event for?

A: EVERYONE!!! Help spread the word! We want everyone to come! If you can donate, please do, if you can't, come anyhow!

FAQ: What

Q: What is the Gifts of the Heart Exchange about, anyhow?

A: In simplest terms, the Gifts of the Heart Exchange is a free event where anyone can come and take home things that they need. It connects those who have and want to give with those who don't have. There are no qualifications to participate.

The Exchange is run completely by volunteers who want to make a difference for good in their communities. Everything that is given away has been donated by people just like you.