Dear 5th Bridge Pledgers,

Wow, can you believe that summer is almost over and school is just around the corner? We hope that during the summer you have discovered some volunteer experiences that utilized your talents, taught you something new, helped you make friends, or helped you grow as a person. Please know that as you enhance your own life through volunteerism and philanthropy, you are also enhancing the lives of everyone around you. Thank you!!!!

If you are still looking for some volunteer ideas this summer, it is now easier than ever to access our ever-growing list of over 300 ways to volunteer. Simply visit our website, www.5thbridge.org, and click the "300+ Ways to Volunteer" symbol. Now you can choose to view only the ideas that fit your individual interests and availability, without having to review the entire list. Over time the list will be expanded to include more ideas as well as links and contact information to other organizations. If you are interested in helping us expand this list, please click "contact us" on our home page and send us a message.

Along with the start of school comes a plethora of rewarding volunteer opportunities. You can volunteer in the classroom, chaperon field trips, or help in the cafeteria, library, office, or out on the playground. You can read to children, help with art projects, teach an enrichment activity, sell concessions at a sports event, or help with homework. The list goes on and on. Visit www.nfld.k12.mn.us or call your local school for specific information. Information will also be available at the school open house events and will be sent home with the students.

Why volunteer at school?

Volunteerism is an investment in education. Consider the following contributions and returns.

• When parents volunteer in their child's school, they send an important message that says that school is important and they are there to support their child's educational pursuits.
• By working in the classroom or volunteering at special events, parents make important connections to the teachers, administration and staff. Being informed and aware of what is happening in the school improves communication and decision-making.
• By volunteering in the school, parents meet other parents and a network of support and friendship develops.
• With increasing class sizes, volunteers allow the teacher to spend more time meeting the individual needs of each child.
• Tight budgets and shortages of materials can be alleviated with the aid of volunteers.
• By working in the classroom, parents get to know their child’s classmates and peer group. Likewise, the children get to know the adults.
• It’s a win for the schools, a win for the students and a win for the parents who not only contribute their time and talents, but also receive great benefits in return! Now…read this paragraph once again, but substitute the word grandparent or community member.

Students can also help out at school by keeping the school grounds neat and clean, helping younger students with homework, or even encouraging their friends to focus on homework or reading.

Defeat of Jesse James Days is also just around the corner
(weekend after Labor Day)

This unique celebration, which is one of the largest and most successful in the state, is 100% volunteer-run. Each year over 500 volunteers make this event-filled weekend possible. If you are interested in helping, please contact Brad Ness at brad@priorlakeinsurance.com or call (612) 232-1190.

If you are interested in walking with 5th Bridge in the Grand Parade on September 9th, please visit www.5thbridge.org, click “contact us” and send us a message. Pledgers who walk with us will be the first to receive a NEWLY DESIGNED 5th Bridge t-shirt. Stand up and say, “ivolunteer! Do you?” Join us in the Grand Parade.

Keep in mind that each time you volunteer and give of yourself, you change a life…yours!

Sincerely,

Candy Taylor and your friends at 5th Bridge