Showing Up for Each Other This Saturday

Sunshine, solidarity, and support for our neighbors across the Southwest Metro.

A Note From Judith:

Saturday: Sunshine + Showing Up for Our Community

Saturday promises to be a beautiful day — a high of 56°! For us Minnesotans, that means shorts and sandals. And since it’s Valentine’s Day weekend, what better way to show some love than by supporting members of our community who need it right now?

We are collecting donations for:

• Bountiful Baskets (food items)

• Latino Voices (hygiene and cleaning products)

We will have separate donation sites for each organization, so please keep your donations separated.

A Note on What’s Happening

Many of you heard reports that ICE activity was going to draw down in Minnesota. I can tell you that is not what we are seeing locally. ICE was present in our area this afternoon. There were reports of people detained across the Twin Cities, and observers were threatened.

Our friends, neighbors, and community members are scared. That’s why donations like these matter. They help keep people safe and supported during an uncertain time.

Latino Voices: Needed Items

Latino Voices has an Amazon wish list if you’d prefer to ship items directly. (Please note that Little Roos is not collecting for Latino voices anymore.)

If you are donating in person, current needs include:

Health & Personal Care

• Vaporub

• Adult acetaminophen & ibuprofen

• Vitamin gummies

• Band-Aids

• Lotion & lip balm

• Adult toothbrushes

• Adult extra-large wet wipes

• Adult unisex incontinence diapers (all sizes)

• Incontinence bed pads

Hair & Body

• Conditioner

• Shampoo

• Body wash (no bar soap)

• Razors & shaving cream (men and women)

Household & Cleaning

• Toilet paper

• Toilet bowl cleaner

• Clorox wipes

• Hand soap

• Dish soap

• Laundry soap & dryer sheets

• Suavitel

• Fabuloso

• Windex

• All-purpose cleaner (spray bottle)

• Paper towels

• Kleenex

Baby & Children

• Newborn diapers

• Size 7 diapers

• Diaper cream

• Ninjamas (larger sizes, girls and boys)

For Kids & Teens

• Coloring books

• Markers

• Small craft supplies

Not Needed at This Time

• Sponges

• Other diaper sizes

• Baby shampoo, soap, or lotion

Bountiful Baskets: Needed Items

Bountiful Baskets has a full list on their website.

Some current needs include:

• Healthy school snacks

• Hearty soups

• Ready-to-eat meals

• Crackers

• Canned proteins

• Canned pineapple & mandarin oranges

• Coffee

• Spices

• Fideo noodles

• Masa corn

• Flour, sugar, baking mixes

• Tortillas & sliced bread

• Cooking oils

Protests This Weekend

In addition to the Waconia and Chaska protests, two more have been added:

• Chanhassen – Saturday at 10 a.m.

• Norwood Young America – Sundays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
  (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

The Waconia protest is organized by Andie and Joe. The Chaska protest is organized by me and an amazing team of volunteers. It’s encouraging to see this movement growing across Minnesota.

Let’s Enjoy the Sun and Keep Going

We all know this is “fake spring,” and winter will be back. But until then, let’s enjoy the sunshine and spread some love.

Even if ICE leaves tomorrow, we cannot take our foot off the gas. There is too much at stake. The list of concerns is long but so is our resolve.

In the last few months, we’ve moved from “Minnesota nice” to “Minnesota is not backing down.” We are showing the country that we are more than a flyover state. We are standing up. We are showing up. And we will continue to do so.

See you Saturday.

Chaska Protests

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.