Valley Outreach

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Your Guide to the Holidays – Valley Outreach Style

This time of year is filled with traditions, gatherings, and moments of reflection for many people in our community. From Twinkle Weekend and the City Tree Lighting in Stillwater, to cultural and faith-based celebrations throughout December and January, there are many ways our community shines together.

We recognize and honor the variety of holidays the community may be observing during this season, including:

  • Hmong New Year – November 29–30 (Minnesota observance)
  • Hanukkah – December 14–22
  • Karen New Year – December 19
  • Christmas – December 25
  • Kwanzaa – December 26–January 2
  • New Year’s Eve – December 31

Across all traditions, one theme remains constant: the desire to gather, to nourish loved ones, and to feel a sense of belonging. Your donations help ensure that families—no matter which holidays they celebrate—have the essentials they need to fully participate in the season with comfort, dignity, and hope.

The Giving Season

Not only is this a time of celebration, but it’s also a season defined by generosity and community care. Many of the items we distribute at Valley Outreach—food, warm clothing, and personal essentials—play a meaningful role in helping families create joyful, dignified holiday experiences. Whether someone is preparing a beloved cultural dish, bundling up to attend a community gathering, or simply trying to stay warm during Minnesota’s coldest months, your support makes those moments possible.

Below, you’ll find the most helpful items to donate this season as we work together to support people through the holidays and into the new year.

Top Needed Food Items:

  • Canned Fruits & Vegetables: Rarer varieties include cherries, pineapple, mango, pumpkin puree, jackfruit, asparagus, mushrooms, etc.
  • Spices and Oil: Salt/pepper, garlic, cumin, salad dressing, condiments, olive oil
  • Canned Meats: Tuna, chicken, salmon, sardines
  • Grains: Pasta, whole grain pasta, rice, quinoa, couscous
  • Kid Snacks: Apple sauce pouches, whole grain crackers, granola & fruit/nut bars, etc.
  • Shelf Stable Items: Whole grain, hot or cold, kid-friendly cereal and ready-to-eat soup
  • Cooking Essentials: Granulated sugar, brown sugar, gluten-free flours
  • Hygiene & Menstrual Products: Soap, liquid hand soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tampons, maxipads

Looking to provide a little holiday cheer? Consider donating seasonal items such as shelf-stable meat options, gravy, stuffing, and sugar. These contributions help families enjoy a more festive and comforting holiday season.

Top Needed Clothing Items:

  • Warm coats and jackets
  • Sweaters
  • Snowpants and snowsuits
  • Snow boots
  • Waterproof gloves and mittens
  • Hats

These essentials help people stay safe and comfortable as temperatures drop. Our supply of winter coats is running very low, and donations of all sizes—kids, teens, and adults—make an immediate impact.

How to Donate

Donation drive-up hours are Monday 9:30 AM–12:30 PM and Tuesday/Thursday 1:30–6:30 PM. Simply follow the signs and drive around the west side of the building to pull up to our donation dock. Please assist volunteers with unloading donations if you are able. Click here to view the drive-up map.

If you’re interested in hosting a food or clothing drive, check out our toolkit or contact Debbie at [email protected] or call 651-342-5569.