BEMIDJI — The United Way of Bemidji Area's annual Holiday Gifts for Kids program is underway.
Two distribution days are planned for families who pre-register to participate in the program. Parents and caregivers "shop" for a gift for their child and will also receive a board game.
"In 2024, over 1,300 children ages 0-17 experienced a joyful Christmas thanks to the generosity and kindness of others," stated the United Way on its webpage.
The first event is 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Sanford Event Center in Bemidji. This event is open to anyone living in Beltrami, Clearwater or Hubbard Counties, with registration due by Dec. 4.
Paper registration forms can be picked up at First National Bank locations in Bemidji, the Northern Dental Access Center, Beltrami County WIC office and the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area.
The second event is 3:30-6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Laporte. This event is open to anyone living in the Laporte area, with registration due by Dec. 9.
Paper registration forms for the Laporte event can be picked up at Trinity Lutheran Church or at Laporte Public School.
New, unwrapped gifts for local children from newborn to age 17 will be accepted at First National Bank of Bemidji locations, L&M Fleet, Menard's, Walgreens, Bemidji Ambulance, MJB Home Center, and the Tourist Information Center in Bemidji through Dec. 8.
Toy donations will also be accepted at Trinity Lutheran Church in Laporte.
-
And: Minnesota-based nonprofit says Big Tech fight reminiscent of Big Tobacco crackdown; and National Weather Service offering free weather spotter classes. -
Contributed/Bastian Riccardi via PexelsA Minnesota-based organization says concerned parents shouldn't settle for the status quo surrounding social media regulation. -
Contributed/Shep's ApparelAshkan Thibodeaux, 5, rescued his younger brother from an icy creek but couldn't pull himself out. He was flown to a Twin Cities hospital, where he remains. -
Contributed/USFWS Midwest Region via FlickrThe fires will help reduce overgrown vegetation and protect local communities from wildfires. -
Contributed/Central Lakes CollegeHara Charlier accepted another position to be closer to family. An interim president will be appointed in May, and a national search for the next president will begin in the fall. -
And: Central Lakes College President Hara Charlier is leaving the school; and a new report is concerned with the DNR's plans for electronic licenses this spring.
-
Contributed/Seth Trobec via KAXE-KBXE Season Watch Facebook groupVolunteer Skywarn spotters help the agency deliver accurate and timely severe weather warnings. Training includes thunderstorm safety, the science of storms and cloud formation. -
Karina Kafka/Report for MinnesotaStudents from across Minnesota gathered at the Capitol to showcase their robotics skills and promote education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. -
Contributed/Will Rolf via Report for MinnesotaSweeney’s Saloon is offering a “Dine Across the Aisle” special to Minnesota lawmakers who grab a meal with a member of the other party. -
Contributed/Eleanor Steffen / Report for MinnesotaPeople of all backgrounds and ages visit the Minnesota State Capitol during the legislative session.
