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PRISM (People Responding In Social Ministry) — Living a Brighter Future Through Dignity and Accountability

Half Full, Half Empty — What If It’s An Empty Bowl?

Half Full, Half Empty — What If It’s An Empty Bowl?


Is An Empty Bowl Decorative Or A Problem To Be Solved?

Is An Empty Bowl Decorative Or A Problem To Be Solved?

What do you see?

Look at these beautiful bowls! What do you notice about them? You might notice the colors, sizes or shapes and think about how nice one would look in your dining room.

Now suppose that you are very, very hungry and don’t have easy access to food. What do you notice? The overwhelming feeling might be that they are empty. Growing numbers of people in our area are in just that situation. Visits to the food shelf have steadily increased over the past 3 years. In November, alone, we distributed 46,000 pounds of food! So many people do not know where they will find the next meal for themselves or their family. What can we do to help?

Fill those Bowls!

Empty Bowls is a community-wide event to help ensure that fewer people in our community go home to an “empty bowl.” The night of the event, a simple donation buys a beautiful, handmade ceramic bowl and a serving of bread and soup. Proceeds support PRISM and NEAR. It’s coming up soon — March 15th.

2nd Annual Empty Bowls Event

Thursday, March 15, 2012, 4 — 7 PM
Sandburg Learning Center
2400 Sandburg Drive
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Questions? Call Sharon Pleimling at 763-544-8182


How Much Fun Can It Be To Feed The Hungry By Creating An Empty Bowl?

How Much Fun Can It Be To Feed The Hungry By Creating An Empty Bowl?

Why Attend?

Here are 5 reasons:

  1. Have a fun outing with others in your community
  2. Great soup and bread, donated from businesses in our community
  3. Entertainment
  4. If you make a donation to the food shelves, you can select one of the beautiful bowls to take home
  5. And, best of all, support for the food shelves

Want to Help?

There are many ways to volunteer, everything from asking businesses to place posters in their windows, to helping to serve soup on the night of the event. Check out the Empty Bowls website for more information and to sign up: http://emptybowlsrobbinsdale.org/.


Can We Count On You To Fill An Empty Bowl?

Can We Count On You To Fill An Empty Bowl?

Make it viral!!

An easy way to help is to share this information with all of your friends. Grab a group to take and make a party of it. Shout it from the rooftops. Slip it into conversations with neighbors. Put it on your Facebook page. Be creative!

Check out all the fun activities already happening

  • Kids from Fair School, Armstrong, Cooper and Robbinsdale Middle School have been making bowls to donate to the event.
  • We had a great Intergenerational Bowl Making Event January 28th when people of all ages made bowls for donation.
  • On February 11th, we glazed bowls at Robbinsdale Middle School that will be donated to the event.

Donations are always welcome.

Of course, we always welcome donations as well. Why not become a sponsor?

We’re looking forward to seeing you on March 15th!

Little Known Secrets Of The PRISM Clothes Closet Change Lives

Little Known Secrets Of The PRISM Clothes Closet Change Lives

Our Clothes Closet benefits shoppers, donors and volunteers.

Our Clothes Closet benefits shoppers, donors and volunteers

Our Clothes Closet benefits shoppers, donors and volunteers

The Clothes Closet is so much more than just clothes. Want to know why you should donate to the Clothes Closet — or shop there?

Help someone find a job

According to volunteer, Gloria Peck, many people do not have clothing appropriate for an interview and can’t afford nice clothes, even at thrift store prices. At the Clothes Closet, they can find clothing for that important interview, often just using those few coins from the bottom of their pockets or purses. If they are able to get the job, they can find clothing to wear on the job as well.

Brighten the day for a young girl

Gloria relates the following story, “A 6 year old girl recently fell in love with a very romantic satin little girl’s dress and wore it over her other clothes for the rest of the time her mom was shopping in the food shelf. She was aglow!”

Improve the life of those less fortunate in other countries

PRISM Clothes Closet helps you find a job

PRISM Clothes Closet helps you find a job

Did you know that shoes are very expensive in Africa? One gentleman regularly purchases shoes at the Clothes Closet and sends them to Liberia. People who might have to go barefoot can now protect their feet. Another gentleman purchases clothes for an orphanage in Russia. Your donation may help someone local or on the other side of the earth.

Support Women’s Shelters

Women often walk into a shelter with no clothes except those on their backs. Volunteers for shelters often shop in the Clothes Closet so they can provide clothing to women seeking help at a shelter.

Support PRISM

The proceeds from the Clothes Closet help to support other programs at PRISM. In November, sales reached a high of $4,000. Just think about all the people who could be fed or transported to work with those donations.

Shop now!

Clothes Closet supports Women's Shelters

Clothes Closet supports Women's Shelters

December and January are prime times to find great bargains in the Clothes Closet. The quality of the clothing is high and the quantity is huge. In addition to clothes, there are household items as well. The Clothes Closet is open whenever we have volunteers to staff it.

Please call 763-529-1350 to make sure the Clothes Closet is open before you visit. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

The PRISM Holiday Shoppe Volunteers Surpassed The Marines’ Toys For Tots

The PRISM Holiday Shoppe Volunteers Surpassed The Marines’ Toys For Tots

Not many groups can beat the U.S. Marines, but PRISM’s volunteers did.


The PRISM Holiday Shoppe Volunteers Surpassed The Marines' Toys For Tots

The PRISM Holiday Shoppe Volunteers Surpassed The Marines' Toys For Tots

This year, due to overwhelming need, the Marines’ Toys for Tots program was only able to provide one toy for each child. But, PRISM’s Holiday Shoppe was able to provide:

  1. One large gift
  2. One medium gift
  3. One book-game-stuffed toy or socks
  4. Two stocking stuffers, AND
  5. A gift card for each child

The Holiday Shoppe was able to serve a total of:

  1. 400 families
  2. 1100 children and youth, and
  3. 6600 gift items

Isn’t it amazing what a dedicated group of volunteers can accomplish?

Every year, the social hall at Valley Community Presbyterian Church is transformed overnight from an empty space into a virtual shopping mall of clothing, toys and gifts to help make the lives of PRISM clients brighter over the holidays. So many people, especially this year, did not have the resources to provide gifts to their children. In fact, NEAR and CEAP ran out of toys and had to send some of their clients to PRISM for help.

The generosity of so many people helped to make this happen


The generosity of so many people helped to make this happen

The generosity of so many people helped to make this happen

PRISM’s Faith Partners collected toys and clothing for many weeks. Toys for Tots provided additional toys. At the last moment (the night before the Holiday Shoppe event), it was clear that there would not be enough toys due to the increase in clients. Valley Community Presbyterian Church scraped together an additional $2000 and went shopping for the kids.

Acquiring the toys and clothing was just the start

Volunteers sorted and separated the items, set up the tables and distributed the gifts — all with welcoming smiles on their faces. Youth from the church provided child care for those who couldn’t afford to leave children at home and provided trees and wreaths.

Reverend Jim Cook described two heartwarming stories at the event itself:

“A young mother of three, whose husband is deployed with the military in Afghanistan, comes uncertain if this is really going to be helpful to providing Christmas joy for her children. Her uncertainty and less-than-joyous countenance when she arrived was not unlike most of the ‘shoppers.’ These are folks caught in the grips of enough economic and personal trauma to have the look of despair etched on their faces. However, the mother and countless others catch a smile, lift a spirit, find a cause to rejoice. The quiet ‘Hello’ upon arrival becomes a vibrant ‘Thank you and a Merry Christmas’ upon departure.

“One woman, so overcome, is beaming with tears of joy. Another (from another country without a good command of English) asks, ‘Does she not get toys?’ thinking the tears are due to failure to receive what she needed to be given. Explaining that these are tears of joy to a person who only cries when there is pain is difficult. When that inquisitive woman finished shopping and is beaming, she reports, loudly and with great joy, ‘Look; got toys; no tears!’”

Thank you to everyone for this tremendous effort and making the Holiday Shoppe happen in such a big way


Isn't it amazing what a dedicated group of volunteers can accomplish?

Isn't it amazing what a dedicated group of volunteers can accomplish?

Thanks, too, to the Marines and Toys for Tots. Our world is a better place, because of the myriad of people who take the time to help others less fortunate. We at PRISM hope that you all have a wonderful New Year! Don’t forget: the spirit of giving and volunteerism is needed throughout the year. We look forward to helping you give back to our great community.

Year End Giving To PRISM Benefits You, Too!

Year End Charitable Donation To PRISM Benefits You, Too!

Children Understand Charitable Donations

Children Understand Charitable Donations

Of course, PRISM appreciates your charitable donations of time, cash and/or needed items throughout the year and regardless your tax benefit. At year end, however, it may also benefit you to give now. We have had a great year, thanks to all of you, and we have helped more people than ever before. Consider these tips our holiday gift to you.

  1. Do you itemize your deductions?

    It’s important to note that, for individuals, only taxpayers who itemize their deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A can claim deductions for charitable contributions. For anyone who files a short or other form, this deduction is not available. Furthermore, only if all total itemized deductions exceed your standard deduction will you qualify for this tax benefit. You should seek tax advice from a professional, since we cannot advise you in these matters.

  2. Is your charitable organization qualified to receive donations?

    Also, be very careful before making any charitable donation. Make certain that your donations are made to an organization qualified to receive deductible contributions. The IRS website lists most qualified organizations in Publication 78. PRISM is definitely listed as a qualified organization in Publication 78. Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and government organizations are not required to be listed in Publication 78, even though they are qualified organizations. In general, foreign charities are not qualified organizations.

    3. Charitable Donation May Have A Tax Benefit To You

    Charitable Donation May Have A Tax Benefit To You

  3. What is the amount of your deduction?

    For your tax benefit, you must quantify your charitable donation. How can you determine the amount of your deduction? Obviously, cash contributions are not a problem. When giving property, such as a car or clothing, the amount of your deduction is generally its fair market value. Contributions of certain property may be limited to what you paid for it. Again, especially if you’re interested in making a substantial donation, seek professional advise before giving.

  4. Get a receipt

    For charitable donations of cash or property, the IRS won’t allow your deduction if you don’t have a receipt from the charity. Your canceled check, bank statement or credit card statement is sufficient proof for small donations. Donations of more than $250 may require a written acknowledgement letter from the charity. To be deductible, donated clothing or household goods must be in at least “good used condition.” A qualified appraisal of the donated property may be required for property contributions in excess of $5,000.

  5. Understand the timing rules

    Donations are deductible in the year donated. Donations made before December 31 can be deducted on this year’s tax return. Contributions made by check are deducted in the year they are mailed, since they are considered delivered on the mailed date. On the other hand, credit card contributions are deducted in the year that the charge occurs in your account. Pledges to make a contribution are not deductible until the payment is made.

Be Smart: Scan This QR Code — Donate Now

Be Smart: Scan This QR Code — Donate Now

PRISM cannot provide legal nor accounting advice. We do greatly appreciate your giving and we will do everything we can to make your contribution help as many people as possible. Interspersed throughout this article are images you can click or scan with your smartphone to make your charitable donation now. If you have questions, please, call us now:
763-529-1350

Thank you, for making 2011 a much better year for those dear people in our community during their time of need.

It Happened One Monday: Why Give To The Max Day Matters To PRISM

It Happened One Monday: Why Give To The Max Day Matters To PRISM

Give To The Max Day Matters To PRISM

It Happened One Monday

PRISM always does good work. Monday, November 7th was an amazing day! Many people are aware that PRISM has a food shelf.

This Monday was a banner food day

First, 59 families were welcomed to the food shelf. Then, to top it off, we provided food and a caring environment to a group of hungry, homeless teenagers in a YMCA program. That represents over 3000 pounds of food distributed! It didn’t stop there.

The food shelf is just one department

PRISM also provides assistance with transportation for those who need help getting to work, appointments, shopping and other activities. PRISM Express provided 260 rides to people who have limited access to other forms of transportation.

How to pay for the unexpected?

Some clients have cars, although they cannot afford costly repairs. Our auto shop helped five of those families with car repairs.

How are you going to get to work without a car?

Others are in desperate need of a car to manage work and their families. PRISM’s 31-31-31 program was developed to find 31 people willing to donate a car and 31 families who could qualify for a car, all in the 31 days of October. As part of this program, we helped a working family sign loan papers for a safe, reliable and affordable vehicle on Monday.

So, food, transportation — what about clothing?

With winter approaching, this takes on added significance. Over 30 families were helped in the Clothes Closet on Monday. Our Clothes Closet is always an inviting environment and it has become even more enticing with our new boutique corner.

Where are you going to live?

Food, clothing and transportation are great, but what about a place to live? We’re in such a tough environment today — so many people are losing their homes. This Monday, we helped two families secure their homes from loss.

Our children are our future …

It’s easy to think about the necessities such as food and clothing. Sometimes people need a special lift on special days. Our birthday program provides that for our clients. On Monday, two children received gifts to make their birthdays brighter.

It takes a village to raise a child

With the help of so many of you providing time and donations, and our wonderful, caring staff, PRISM helps create a village within our community. Thanks to everyone for helping to make this a reality. Keep up the great work!

Click the image to Give To The Max


Click Give To The Max Day For PRISM

Click Give To The Max Day For PRISM

Call Now
Get Your Question Answered: 763-529-1350

How Give To The Max Day Benefits PRISM & All Of Those Who Depend On Us

How Give To The Max Day Benefits PRISM & All Of Those Who Depend On Us

Support PRISM With Your Online Donation November 16th, 2011


Click Give To The Max Day For PRISM

Click Give To The Max Day For PRISM

On Give To The Max Day, a $1,000 “Golden Ticket” will be given to a random donor’s charity every hour.

You could be that donor!

Give to the Max Day is an annual event sponsored by GiveMN.org, a non-profit created to help other non-profits, like PRISM, increase their online donations. The event is three years old and has raised $24 million for Minnesota non-profits in its first two years.

PRISM raised $33,000 over the first two Give To The Max Day events. We plan to raise $20,000 at the 2011 event. PRISM raised that amount two years ago when Give To The Max Day was first held. Currently, our Board of Directors and some of the Faith Partner Churches have combined challenges to give us $7,150 in matching donations this year. Our goal is to secure $10,000 in matching challenges for 2011 Give To The Max Day.

On Give To The Max Day non-profits in Minnesota focus on bringing in as many online donations as possible in a 24 hour period. PRISM will keep donors involved with the pledge drive via:

  1. Donation match challenges
  2. “Adopt An Hour” challenges, and
  3. Steady updates via our website and Facebook

Every online donation will be counted toward PRISM’s overall goal of $20,000 this year. This event will help offset the cancellation of PRISM’s Fall Fundraiser, the Old Log Dinner Theater event.

GiveMN.org supports non-profits by having hourly drawings of donors and giving $1,000 to the donor’s charity. This year there will be live coverage throughout the day at Mall Of America. Every hour one donor will be randomly selected and their charity will be given $1,000 from GiveMn.org. On Give To The Max Day a donor can go to PRISM’s page on GiveMN.org and make a donation: http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Prism-People-Responding-in-Social-Ministry

There are several ways that you can participate and make a difference:

  1. Donate one time online and make a big difference.
  2. Divide your donation into several hourly donations and get more chances for a “Golden Ticket.”
  3. Ask friends and family to join you in supporting PRISM on Give To The Max Day.

Click on the GiveMN.org image below to donate now.


PRISM Give To The Max Day November 16, 2011

Click Give To The Max Day For PRISM

GiveMN.org is a non-profit that helps other non-profits raise money.