October 2020
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Dear Alex,
 
Before we could even finish saying hello to autumn, winter arrived! (Hopefully we will have a brief return to fall here next week!) We hope you’re staying warm, and getting ready to fill your homes with holiday cheer to match the snow outside.
 
We’re happy to share that we’re nearing completion of the Emma’s Place renovation, as the basketball court has been installed, the parking lot redone, and the townhomes all refurbished. Early snow delayed the installation of the new playground community build, but we’re already hearing from residents how much they appreciate the changes made to give the townhomes a cozier, homier feel. Now that construction is complete, we’re going to be moving in six new families at Emma’s Place, so please, keep your generous Move-In Tote donations coming!
 
This month we’re also excited to share with you our new website, pictures from our annual coat drive, and upcoming ways to get involved like the GLOW Holiday Festival and Give to the Max Day 2020!
 
With gratitude,
 
Tonya Brownlow, Executive Director
 
New Emma Norton Website
 
 
Our new and improved website is officially live! This digital renovation was in the works for nearly a year, and we’re so excited to finally share it with our community. On the new site, you’ll find more detailed information about our programs, different ways to engage with and support our work, as well as volunteer opportunities, a blog, and more!
 
Go to www.EmmaNorton.org to see what the new website has to offer, and don’t forget to leave a comment on the blog!
 
Annual Coat Drive
 
 
By a wonderful coincidence, we had our coat drive just in time for the start of an early winter this year. On October 20, residents at Emma Norton Residence picked coats from the donations given by supporters like you… while a record breaking seven inches of snow fell outside!
 
We’re so grateful that we were able to provide this winter gear right in time for the heavy snow. We’ll be bringing coats to the families at Emma’s Place and those in our Scattered-Site Program as well, and keeping a supply on hand for new residents who enter our doors this winter. We are still seeking donations of hats and mittens to keep on hand for new residents.
 
Holiday Gift Cards
 
 
Last year our residents loved the gift cards, and with the pandemic, such gifts will be even more appreciated as we won't be able to hold our traditional holiday parties. We're starting up the drive for holiday gift cards early this year! We know and appreciate the many church, business, and community partners who hold holiday gift drives for us, and we also know that there is extra stress in the world right now. We hope that by starting this early we can get as many of our community of supporters involved, with as little additional holiday stress as possible!
 
For gift cards, we're asking for donations of $25 Target and Walmart gift cards. We're also seeking donations of grocery gift cards for Cub and Aldi, in increments of $25, $50, and $100.
 
GLOW Holiday Festival
 
 
You may have already heard the news that this year there will be a drive-thru holiday light show at the State Fair Grounds, but did you know your ticket can support Emma Norton Services? On December 1st, $2 from every ticket sale will be donated to our organization! Every day donations go to a different non-profit, and we’re so excited to be one of those a part of the first (of hopefully many!) Great Minnesota Holiday Get-Togethers. If you want to buy your ticket for December 1st, click here! For more information about the GLOW Holiday Festival, see their website.
 
Move-In Totes and Welcome Baskets Needed
 
 
With the pandemic continuing indefinitely and the need for supportive housing growing, we are moving forward with many new intakes. Program staff across our organization have told us that this is their biggest need for our residents right now! Many people come into our programs with few personal possessions due to the challenges of homelessness. By donating a Welcome Basket or Move-In Tote, you can help start them off right on their journey of stability and healing.
 
If assembling a Basket or Tote seems daunting, you can still help by funding a Welcome Basket for $100, or a Move-In Tote for $200 and our staff will do the shopping for you.
 
A Welcome Basket includes a laundry basket with the following:
Flat and fitted twin sheets, pillow and pillow case, blanket (comforter, quilt, winter blankets), hand & bath towels, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, bar soap, deodorant, and a coffee mug. Some extra items that are also appreciated but not necessary include a lint roller, a 4x6 picture frame, lotion, and a journal. 
 
A Move-In Tote includes a large tote (recommended size: 44 gallons) with the following:
1 roll paper towel, 1 box facial tissues, 4 rolls toilet paper, 1 container disinfecting wipes, 1 bottle multi-purpose cleaner, 1 bottle toilet bowl cleaner, 1 toilet bowl scrubber, 1 box of large garbage bags, 1 bottle laundry detergent, 1 bottle hand soap, 1 bottle dish soap, 2 sponges, 2 dish cloths, 4 plastic plates, 4 plastic tumblers, 4 sets of cutlery, 1 kitchen towel, 1 shower curtain, 1 package shower curtain rings, 2 hand towels, 2 washcloths, 3 bars body soap, 1 deodorant, 1 tube toothpaste, 4 toothbrushes, 1 floss, 1 bottle shampoo, 1 bottle conditioner, 1 box assorted bandages, 1 box rolled gauze, 1 roll medical tape, 1 box gauze pads, 1 box alcohol prep pads, 1 tube antibiotic ointment, 1 tube hydrocortisone cream, 2 lightbulbs, 1 blanket (twin or queen), 2 bath towels, 1 bed sheet set (twin or queen).
 
Donations can be shipped directly to ENR or please contact Shawna at snelsen@emmanorton.org to make a plan for a safe drop off as no guests are allowed at ENR at this time.
 
To shop online for other critical supplies needed to help support Emma Norton and its residents and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, please click here.
 
Give to the Max Day 2020
 
 
Last year our community of supporters really showed up for Give to the Max Day in a big way, including for a fundraising happy hour at Buca di Beppo! While we can’t do that in person this year, we still have exciting plans to connect with you digitally on Give to the Max Day, including a shot for a golden ticket and a donation match! Keep an eye out for more info soon!
 
Share the Good E-news!
 
We love our many supporters and volunteers, but don’t keep us to yourselves. Please share this E-news with your friends and family, like us on social media (see links below), and let others know about the great work we are doing to help end homelessness and help women and families thrive! Make a donation today to help us continue to provide safe, stable homes for women and families on their journey of recovery.

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Address postal inquiries to:
Emma Norton
670 Robert St N
Saint Paul, MN 55101-2523