Good Neighbors published Dec. 8, 2021

Santa’s Seniors: Santa is spreading holiday cheer to his 55 & older (wiser) kids this season. The Willmar Community Center and Dethlefs Community Center in Spicer are spreading the holiday spirit in this Secret Santa-style gift card exchange. Bring in a $15 gift card from Dec. 1-Dec. 17, then stop back between Dec. 20-Dec. 23 to pick out a gift card (with potential surprises included). Great way to spread holiday cheer to local seniors this season.

Willmar toy drive: Through Dec. 17, new unwrapped toys can be dropped off daily between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Willmar Community Center for the Kandiyohi County Toys for Tots.

WILLMAR — The Willmar Area Community Foundation has opened its annual grant round to fund programs that focus on three different areas this year: addressing the opportunity gap for youth, increasing community connections and welcoming diverse populations, and supporting productive aging.

Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, school or government entity which serves residents of Kandiyohi County. For additional information and the online application, visit www.communitygiving.org/grants and select “WACF General Grants.” The deadline is Jan. 15.

This past year, the Willmar Area Community Foundation invested $128,000 through the Community Impact Grant Round. This included the investment to the MNYou Junior Master Gardener Program in providing children with culturally relevant learning experiences; supporting Project Turnabout in the construction of their outpatient and women’s center in Willmar; and Ridgewater College’s pilot multilingual community journalism program.

WILLMAR — United Community Action Partnership has a 24/7 crisis line for people experiencing homelessness. The crisis line will operate outside of regular business hours and will be solely dedicated to helping people find emergency shelter.

Anyone in need of shelter should first call their local UCAP office during regular hours. Outside of business hours, those in need should call the crisis line. Those in Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Renville, and Redwood Counties should dial 320-587-5244 , extension 12. Screening questions will be asked to determine eligibility and coordinate appropriate shelter and other services as needed.

WILLMAR — Habitat for Humanity of West Central Minnesota ReStore accepts donations of building materials, large appliances, furniture and more. All donations must be approved by staff before acceptance. Donations can be brought to 2424 First Street South in Willmar between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 320-235-9000 or see www.habitatwcm.org .