There’s been a lot going on, and this will be an update for our supporters and generous donors.

River’s Uplift Program Donations:
* We donated travel sized toiletries to the Boy Scout Pack 563 in Milltown. They partnered with McDonald’s in St. Croix Falls in putting together Welcome Bags for guests at the Ronald McDonald house in the Twin Cities. “Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest creates, finds and supports programs that provide a caring  community for families with seriously ill children while increasing children’s  access to health care services.” Ronald McDonald House also works with Faith’s Lodge on their family programming. Faith’s Lodge also has retreats set up for the families that are utilizing Ronald McDonald House services. What a wonderful partnership!

*We donated a changing table to the Bering Park in Milltown. There were no existing changing tables, and after conversing with the Village of Milltown and the Milltown Community Club, it was decided by our board that we would donate one and the Community Club would donate the other. There are changing tables in both the men’s and women’s restrooms at this park. Thank you Community Club for working with us to provide this service to parents and families in our community!

* We donated to Milltown’s Outdoor Movie program this summer. This is being operated by the Milltown Public Library.  The first movie showing was in early June with a wonderful turnout. We have heard many local families ask about this program and when there will be more movies. We decided to partner with the library to offer another show later this summer. Movie is yet to be decided, but we are sure it will be a family friendly film and look forward to seeing everyone there! We will keep you posted as to date, time and film.

* Lastly, Deanna is working with the SCRMC to have Memory Boxes and resources available when families experience stillbirth or infant loss. We are also trying to develop material for those that experience miscarriage. This is a long process, with a team of 4 wonderful women organizing it all.  Hopefully all of this will be in place by early fall.

Faith’s Lodge Donations:
*We went shopping for supplies. Our board decided to budget $500 to buy the “bits” that makes Faith’s Lodge work. We got them toiletries, food for the pantry, craft supplies, gifts for kids games when there is a family week. There is a little bit of everything! It was an honor to shop for them. The programs and things they do while parents and families are there is just amazing. It was fun to provide the stuff to make it all happen!

*We purchased a brick for the entryway. All of the supporters of River’s Run & Ride Rally will be recognized by displaying this brick. We will be part of Faith’s Lodge, because of the generous support we received this year.

*We sponsored one family to stay at Faith’s Lodge. They will get to take part in all of the wonderful things Faith’s Lodge offers to help them heal.

The Compassionate Friends Donations:
*We donated $200.00 to the St. Paul Chapter
*We donated $200.00 to the Clear Lake Chapter
*We donated to the National Conference which is being held in Minneapolis this year. This is the first time in 34 years it will be held there. We sponsored a sharing session and a workshop for the conference attendees.

*We donated $1200 to the Northwoods Chapter (Milltown).  The Chapter Leader will also be attending the national conference, so we helped balance some expenses for that trip.
This will partly be used for their Annual Balloon Release as well as the Worldwide Candle Lighting Service. These are wonderful celebrations of lives gone too soon. Any family member or friend of a bereaved family is welcome to attend. Please email Deanna at deanna@riversrally.org for more details of these events.

There has been alot going on around River’s Rally headquarters! We appreciate all of the support and kindess we have received. THANK YOU!