White Bear Lake charities

Carol Letourneau, a 40-year hairstyling veteran and previous owner of Special Effects Salon in downtown White Bear Lake, constantly strives to make a difference in the community; she’s sponsored community sports teams and sold jewelry in her shop to benefit Haiti. And since St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church opened its Community Resource Center in 2011, she’s been lending a hand by giving free haircuts to struggling individuals on Thursdays each month. Read more about Special Effects Offers Haircuts for the Homeless

Though food shelves often take the spotlight during winter holidays, keeping them full is a year-round job. No one knows this better than Kellie Cardinal, community resource center director for St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church’s summer lunch program, “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation,” which provides free lunches to families who qualify for free or reduced lunches during the school year. Nearly 100 school-age children received a week’s worth of groceries last summer. “We’ve had moms break down crying with joy when they find out that we can help,” says Cardinal. Read more about St. Andrew's Summertime Lunch

Billy Pilacinski, a sixth-grader at St. Mary of the Lake, wasn’t surprised when his schoolmates opted to shave their heads at Indulge Salon to show their support for him this past winter. But when 41 people ages 6 to 60 showed up, the White Bear Lake community did more than he and his family ever thought possible. “The salon was bursting with boys and parents,” says Beth Pilacinski, Billy’s mother. Read more about White Bear Lake Helps with Buzz Cuts for Billy

If attempting something adventurous and wacky is on your bucket list, then you should take the Polar Bear Plunge.This January, Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Minnesota presents the 17th annual White Bear Lake Polar Plunge. By facing frozen fears, polar plungers raise money to help raise awareness and support for Minnesota Special Olympians. Read more about Polar Bear Plunge Finds Fun, Funds

Cristel and Jeramie Knutson-Demars found themselves and their three young boys homeless and sleeping in their car after Jeramie lost his job and the family ran out of money. Scared and unsure of where they would sleep each night or where they would find food for their growing boys, Cristel and Jeramie went to the St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Community Resource Center to find help after hearing about it from a local police officer. The family spent their days at the community resource center looking for jobs and housing. Read more about St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center Helps Create New Beginnings

The Tree of Light and Remembrance event in Mahtomedi Triangle Park, now in its 13th year, does double-duty during the holiday season. Those wishing to offer a memorial or honor a loved one may purchase a light for the tree from the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf; the names of those being remembered will be read at a special lighting ceremony. The proceeds help to fund the charity during its busiest time; last year, with 552 lights sold, the event raised $7,300.
    Read more about Mahtomedi’s Annual Tree of Light Event Returns

No one wants a child to be hospitalized any day of the year, let alone on Christmas. But as part of one of the largest children’s health care organizations in the United States, the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of St. Paul is a home for the holidays for many Minnesota kids. To help make the season—and year—a little brighter for the families and patients, the community has rallied over the years to raise funds for the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, of which the St. Paul hospital is a part. Read more about North Oaks Guild Children’s Hospital Home for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for kindness, and is often the inspiration for a selfless outpouring of generosity and charitable donations. Read more about Solid Ground Helps Families in Need