Community service has been at the heart of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for more than one hundred years. The organization nationwide has contributed over 550,296 hours in Service to America this year alone.
Minneapolis/St. Paul currently ranks as the #1 city in America for volunteering, according to research done by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Lake Minnetonka Chapter NSDAR members are strong contributors to the Twin Cities’ proud tradition of volunteerism, logging over 5,000 volunteer hours in the past year.
The NSDAR celebrates its founding on October 11, 1890 with a Day of Service each year on October 11. This year, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter NSDAR will celebrate by cleaning a stretch of Highway 7 through the Adopt-a-Highway program.
Members of the Lake Minnetonka Chapter NSDAR have volunteered to serve some of the most important needs in our community:
• At Risk Women: The Chapter collects personal care products and toys for the clients of the Home Free Women’s Shelter which supports women leaving abusive situations.
• Education: The Chapter supports the advanced education of accomplished high school seniors with scholarships, recognizes the budding writing talents of middle school students through essay competitions, and educates elementary school students on American government during Constitution Week each September. One member serves as an English Language Learner tutor to immigrant students and another member visits classrooms to promote reading.
• Veterans: Each November, the Chapter hosts its celebratory Veterans Day Salute to honor veterans and their service to our country. Throughout the year, members sew a quilt to honor a veteran impacted by war and knit scarves and hats for veterans.
• Hunger: Chapter members volunteer their time with numerous organizations committed to addressing hunger in our community, such as the Interfaith Outreach and Community Service food shelf, the Sheridan Story weekend food pack program, and the Fare For All affordable healthy food program.
• Seniors: Chapter members serve community seniors by volunteering in senior living facilities. One member entertains seniors by playing the piano and another member cares for senior’s health by volunteering to take blood pressures.
• Environment: Through the Adopt-a-Highway program, Chapter volunteers clean a stretch of Highway 7 twice a year. Additionally, members have volunteered to beautify the grounds of the Sibley House, plant a pollinator garden at Golden Valley Hall, and engage in extensive recycling activities.
• Historic Preservation: The Chapter published a compilation of stories remembering the experiences of Minnesota pioneer women and placed a historic marker at Minnesota’s historic Sibley House. Several members educate community residents about local history by volunteering with their historical societies.
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