NEWS ROOM

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

April 2024

Hello Friend!

On March 27, we were witness to the generosity and spirit that makes St. Cloud such a rich community. Earlier that month, we received a call from Mary Krippner with United Way asking if we had six Littles who could use a new mattress. Callan Furniture had reached out to her to help distribute their generous donations to our community. Callans has been known for their unwavering commitment to giving back to the community that has supported them.

After reaching out to our families, we soon had a list of 25 twin mattresses needed. We circled back to Mary and told her that we exceeded the original amount four times over. Mary re-connected with Callans, which committed to mattresses for all 25 requests - and even added three extra mattresses to our total, which we also quickly found homes for.

With that many mattresses being delivered, we needed volunteers to help load mattresses into vehicles, and we needed to connect with volunteers to deliver the mattresses. Ann, our Program Director, heard a "YES" from every person she asked to help, Bethlehem Lutheran Church provided beautiful quilts, and The Networking Team donated sheet sets for everyone.

On the morning of March 27, the Youth for Christ gym was full of people who had come to help. Callan Furniture sent over a team to deliver the mattresses and help us unload them into the gym. Deerwood Bank sent a group over to help unload, including our good friend Mike Markman, who also offered his services if more deliveries were needed. Over the course of the day, another handful of people filtered in and out to help load mattresses, secure them in cars, and make sure they would safely get to their new homes.

We heard so many comments that day that reinforced not only why this support of kids and families is so important, but also that St. Cloud is a giving community full of people who want to make a difference.

Pat Callan, owner of Callan Furniture, talked about his company’s focus on helping kids, and he voiced his appreciation of the combination of businesses working together with the social sector to meet the needs of our community. The parents picking up the mattresses were grateful and excited. A mattress seems like a basic necessity to most, but to some a new mattress - or a mattress of their own – is a special gift; a momentous occasion.

"My boys will be sleeping comfortable again," one parent wrote. "This means so much to me and my kids. My kids really appreciate it so much," another said. Perhaps the most excited note came from one of the kids who stopped by to help pick up their new mattress. "Yay! Thank you! No more lumpy bed handed down from my older brother. You’re the BEST," they wrote. As the youngest of 12, I could relate to that comment!

As the day ended and the last mattress found its home, there was a sense of profound satisfaction in the air. For Callan Furniture and all those involved, it was not just about giving away mattresses – it was about giving hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging for our kids. They can rest easier knowing they belong in our community.

And as the stars twinkled overhead, casting their gentle glow, one thing was clear: dreams were being delivered, one mattress at a time, thanks to the kindness and generosity of Callan Furniture and the selfless volunteers who made it all possible.

Thank you to Pat and Tina Callan and Callan Furniture, United Way, our team and local heroes: Rick & Aleen Roehl, Eric Stalboerger, and from Deerwood Bank, Gabe Albachten, Ben Hanowski and Mike Markman.

Jackie Johnson
Executive Director

As you know, our Littles are not required to fundraise or pay to be a part of our mentoring program. Please consider purchasing raffle tickets or participating in our online auction, which runs April 12-19 (but you can check out all the items and register now!). Thanks to all the generous donors buying raffle tickets and making this auction AMAZING!

BIG TIMES MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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April 2024 Big Times

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What's New

Jenna Scapanski named 2024 Growing Up Big Award Winner

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – In 2015, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota established the BriAnna Kruzel Growing Up Big Award to honor BriAnna Kruzel, a former Little Sister and…

Learn more about Jenna Scapanski named 2024 Growing Up Big Award Winner

Active Match Beneficial for Allie and Addison

When Allie Margarian was matched with her Little Sister, Addison, in April 2021, she knew…

Read more about Active Match Beneficial for Allie and Addison

A Little Competition Builds A Solid Bond

Terran Bursch and Cullen were both nervous the first time they met. Terran remembers not…

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Aaliyah Little Sister of the Year 2024 with Dani Lovejoy

Time with Big Sister Dani has Aaliyah looking to the future

Aaliyah has always been a good student – smart and attentive. She is a good…

Carter Little Brother of the Year 2024 with Gary and Cole Stang

Two mentors, double the encouragement for Carter

When he reflects back to his younger self, Carter is grateful to have had two…

Gary and Cole Stang Big Duo of the Year with Carter

Father-Son Duo Bond Through Mentorship

Gary Stang doesn’t know why he chose Big Brothers Big Sisters to fill the void…

Dani Lovejoy Found Meaningful Relationship Thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters

When she looks back at her younger self, Aaliyah didn’t even realize she needed help…

IN THE NEWS

Carter, Stangs Honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters - Sartell Newsleader, Feb. 21, 2024

Sartell Mentor Honored as "Big Sister of the Year" - Sartell Newsleader, Feb. 6, 2024

Minnesota's Big Brother of the Year - Benton County News, Jan. 30, 2024

Minnesota Announces Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year - WJON, Jan. 25, 2024

Big Brothers Big Sisters Making National Mentoring Month Push - KNSI, Jan. 9, 2024

Mentorship Vital for Brighter Future (Letter to the Editor) - The Newsleaders, Jan. 5, 2024

Here's a Big Opportunity for Central Minnesotans to Make A Difference - River 96.7 Website, Jan. 4, 2024

Members of the St. Cloud Crush hockey team donated presents for a BBBS family

Paying It Forward: MN High School Hockey Players Adopt Family - 98.1 Website, Dec. 21, 2023

Pierz Native Named SCSU Alumni Service Award Winner - Morrison County Record, Sept. 22, 2023

Putnam Honored by BBBS of Central Minnesota- KNSI, Aug. 29, 2023

Stavrum honored with Friend of Youth Award- St. Joe Newsleader, Aug. 25, 2023

Headshot of Emmitt Edwards and Kat and info on Sherburne Cty United Way Podcast

Emmitt Edwards on Aug. 15 Sherburne County Area United Way Podcast - Aug. 15, 2023

Learn About Becoming a Big at Iron Street Tuesday - 98.1 Website, July 31, 2023

Noticing the Impact - Benton County News, July 25, 2023

A group of four people pose for a photo to celebrate Ann Matvick winning a national award. From left: Emily Steinmetz, Ann Matvick, Artis Stevens (BBBSA CEO), Jackie Johnson

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Program Director Honored - KNSI, June 29, 2023

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Wins National Award - WJON, June 28, 2023

Leadership from BBBS of Central MN, St. Cloud Tech & Community College, and Sauk Rapids-Rice School District sit around a table after signing a partnership agreement.