Twin Cities east metro school briefs: District seeks volunteers for community assistance effort

Volunteers are being sought for a one-day North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District event that connects needy families with social service providers.

The initiative, 622 Project Family Connect, is now in its third year, and this year's event is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20 at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., Maplewood.

Officials say the project came about after teachers and staff members noticed that some students and family members were struggling with social, economic and mental health issues. In its first year, the event served 515 people, many of whom indicated they were unemployed or underemployed, the district said.

People visited with representatives of food shelves, health clinics and dental services. Some also received free haircuts.

During each of the past two years, more than 200 volunteers have assisted in collecting food and toiletry items, and helping guide people to appropriate providers on the day of the event, the district said. Most volunteers have been school district employees.

To learn more about the event, go to the district's website. People wishing to volunteer can do so at the online sign-up tool, VolunteerSpot.

The North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale district serves families and students in Washington and Ramsey counties.

Participants will hear a keynote address from Alyse Stofer, of Medtronic, and participate in five small-group presentations led by professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The state Department of Transportation, Xcel Energy, Target and 3M are among the other organizations represented.

The event is being offered through the district's community education program. Registration is $10 and covers lunch plus transportation to and from the university. To register, go to the community education website. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 19.

The Partnership Plan, a nonprofit organization that funds enrichment programs in the Stillwater Area Public Schools, will hold its annual "Jeans and Jewels" fundraiser on Saturday, March 23.

The event, which includes dinner, auction and live music, runs from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Prom Center in Oakdale.

The Partnership Plan also is seeking contributions to a special funding effort involving the fabrication laboratory at Stillwater Area High School. Every dollar contributed to the second phase of that project will be matched by a grant from the Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation, the district said.

Tickets and information are available at the Partnership Plan website.