Viewing needs in: FISH

Offer Help	Title	Location	Type	Outreach?	Deadline	Status
Help Now	Family in our faith community needs our help! This holiday season, we are hoping to bless a hardworking mom who has been navigating an extremely long and emotionally draining divorce process. The ongoing legal costs have placed a significant financial strain on her, and despite these challenges, she is courageously attending school to earn her first college degree—something that will allow her to provide better opportunities for her family after years of being a stay-at-home mom to her three younger children and their three adult siblings. As she balances school, the stress of the divorce, and single parenting, she is currently unable to work, making this season especially tight. There are no urgent material needs at this time, but an extra touch of joy and support would mean the world to this family during a difficult chapter. If you or your organization would like to sponsor part of their holiday wish list or provide a thoughtful blessing, your kindness will make a meaningful impact. Submitted by: FISH	Shakopee	Child Welfare Children Clothing & Personal Items Furniture & Household Goods	No	N/A	Active
Help Now	Mom and kids need some HOPE this Christmas season! A family is being evicted within the next week and currently does not know where they are going to end up. We were able to get them on some waitlists for housing resources, but mom recently lost her job as well, so some resources I thought we could help connect with are not available and things are extremely stressful for her right now. They had not signed up for any gift programs and the one through the county has passed the deadline. If there’s a way that FISH can support this family with gifts, that would be an amazing spot of joy in this difficult time for them. Thank you for the consideration, Submitted by: FISH	All Locations	Child Welfare Children Clothing & Personal Items	No	N/A	Active Fulfilled Offers
Help Now	Supporting Two Families Newly Out of Homelessness This Christmas We are nominating two families who are newly transitioning out of homelessness and working hard to rebuild stability for their young children. Both families are facing financial strain this holiday season and would deeply appreciate any support. Family #1 – Young Couple Rebuilding Stability (Household of 3, Soon to Be 4) 1 Adult Female 1 Adult Male 1 two-year-old boy Mom is currently pregnant Both adults are unemployed at this time; dad is actively job searching This young couple has recently secured housing after experiencing homelessness. As they work to stabilize their lives and prepare for their growing family, they are struggling to meet basic needs. Needs: Learning toys for their 2-year-old Clothing (size 2T–3T) Any holiday support would be an incredible encouragement as they continue working toward stability and self-sufficiency. Family #2 – Single Mom Working Full-Time While Navigating Her Son’s Developmental Needs (Household of 2) 1 Adult Female 1 three-year-old boy This single mom and her son have also recently exited homelessness. She is working full time, but due to multiple appointments for her son—who is showing traits of autism and currently undergoing evaluation—she has had to miss work without enough PTO to cover the time. As a result, her income has decreased, and she is struggling to keep up with monthly bills. Needs: Learning toys that support development Clothing (size 4T) This family would greatly benefit from a little extra support to help them experience a joyful and meaningful holiday season. If you or your organization are looking for ways to make a real impact this Christmas, supporting one or both of these families would provide comfort, dignity, and hope during a crucial time in their lives. Submitted by: FISH	All Locations	Child Welfare Children Clothing & Personal Items Domestic Issues Furniture & Household Goods Homelessness	No	N/A	Active
Help Now	Family of Four Experiencing Homelessness After Rental Scam – Hoping for Help Bringing Joy This Christmas We are hoping to gather holiday support for a family of four who recently entered the CAPs shelter program and unfortunately missed the deadlines for both the Hope for the Holidays program and the Toy Distribution program. This family includes: Mom Dad Daughters ages 16 and 6 This family became homeless after falling victim to a rental scam that cost them all their savings—an unexpected and devastating blow, especially this time of year. Mom is actively seeking employment as she continues healing from a knee replacement, and Dad has enrolled in culinary school to work toward a stable future for his family. They are doing everything they can to rebuild, but the timing of these hardships means they will be spending Christmas in a hotel, without the resources to create the kind of holiday they hoped for their daughters. Any support—gifts, essentials, or small touches of joy—would mean the world to this family as they navigate this difficult season. If you or your organization are able to help, your kindness will bring hope and comfort when it’s needed most. Submitted by: FISH	Scott County	Child Welfare Children Clothing & Personal Items	No	N/A	Active Offers
Help Now	Kids want clothes for Christmas A need has been posted for a family who is facing significant challenges this holiday season, and they could truly use our support. If you’re able, please take a moment to review their wish list and consider helping bring hope, comfort, and joy to this deserving family. Submitted by: FISH	All Locations	Children Clothing & Personal Items Food	No	N/A	Active Fulfilled Offers
Help Now	Supporting a Mom Rebuilding After Domestic Violence – Last-Minute Christmas Help Needed We would like to nominate a family for the Last-Minute Christmas Gift Giveaway—one that has shown remarkable resilience and strength. This family of four includes three young girls: 7 year, female 5 years, female 23 months female Their mom is a dedicated single mother who is working full time, yet still struggling to make ends meet as she rebuilds stability for her family. After experiencing domestic violence, she has taken the courageous step of securing her own apartment and is working hard to furnish it and provide a safe, loving environment for her daughters. This holiday season, a little extra support would go a long way in bringing joy, comfort, and encouragement to this family as they continue their journey toward healing and independence. If you or your organization are able to help fulfill their Christmas wishes, your generosity will make an immediate and meaningful impact. Submitted by: FISH	All Locations	Clothing & Personal Items Domestic Issues Food Homelessness	No	N/A	Active Offers
Help Now	Holiday Need Posting: Jordan Family of Six Needing Support – Help a Mom of Five Rebuild Stability This Christmas Good morning! We are hoping to nominate a deserving family for a holiday Christmas giveaway after they unfortunately missed all deadlines for other community resources. This family of six includes one hardworking mom and five children: Newborn (boy) 6-year-old (boy) 10-year-old (boy) 11-year-old (girl) 12-year-old (girl) Mom recently welcomed her fifth child in late October and is doing her best to care for her family while navigating significant financial and housing instability. The family is currently living in Jordan and has moved frequently over the years, making this season especially challenging. One of their most urgent needs is winter gear, as the children do not have the warm clothing required for the Minnesota winter. Additional support of any kind would help this family experience a meaningful and hope-filled Christmas. The mother is aware of this nomination and is deeply grateful for any assistance provided. If you or your organization are looking for a way to bless a family during the holidays, this family would be incredibly appreciative of your generosity. Submitted by: FISH	All Locations	Children Clothing & Personal Items Food Homelessness	No	N/A	Active Offers
Help Now	This is a great group giving opportunity! Family of Seven Facing Seasonal Job Loss and Medical Challenges – Hoping for Christmas Support We are hoping to gather support for a family of seven who is experiencing significant financial hardship this holiday season. Dad's work is seasonal, and he currently does not have a stable income. Mom is unable to work due to one of the younger children’s ongoing medical needs, therapy sessions, and frequent appointments. Because the family is also unable to receive unemployment benefits, they are relying heavily on community assistance to get through this difficult time. Their most urgent request is simply to provide their children with Christmas presents so they can experience a joyful holiday despite the challenges they are facing. They are also in need of winter clothing, shoes, and several basic household items. Clothing & Shoe Needs Child (approx. age 4): Pants/sweatshirts (size 4), shoe size 9 Child (approx. age 9): Sweats/hoodies (size 10), shoe size 5 Child (approx. age 11): Joggers/sweats (Junior’s size M), “Ugg”-style boots (size 9) Young adult (approx. age 19): Women’s size Small clothing, fashion boots (size 7) Young adult (approx. age 21): Snow boots (size 9.5), tennis shoes, men’s snow pants (size M, waterproof for snow shoveling work) Dad: Snow boots and waterproof tennis shoes (men’s size 10) Mom: Winter clothes such as snowpants or fleece-lined/double-lined pants (size Large), waterproof tennis shoes (women’s size 7.5) Household Needs Pots and pans Winter blankets Curtains Coffee maker Toaster (current one is broken) This family is doing their best to stay warm, safe, and hopeful during a difficult season of instability and medical demands. Any support—whether gifts, winter gear, or household essentials—would make a meaningful difference and help bring light to their holiday season. Submitted by: FISH	All Locations	Children Clothing & Personal Items Food Homelessness Medical	No	N/A	Active Offers
Help Now	Elderly woman needs financial help with medical bills A community member is reaching out for support during a very difficult season. She is living with chronic health challenges, including autoimmune issues, diabetes, and the lasting effects of multiple concussions. Recently, she tore tendon in her foot which has significantly impacted her mobility and ability to work consistently. These ongoing conditions have led to mounting medical expenses that have become overwhelming despite her best efforts to manage them. Currently she is in arrears to collection agency for medical treatment, U of M dental office and chiropractor. Submitted by: FISH	All Locations	Medical Senior	No	N/A	Active Fulfilled Offers
Help Now	Help Provide Lifesaving Medication for a Local Cancer Survivor A local couple is facing significant financial strain as they continue a long and courageous fight against stage 4 pancreatic cancer. After years of traditional treatments that offered little improvement, they made the difficult decision to pursue an alternative therapy that has shown remarkable results. In just a few months, the treatment has led to visible progress — the tumor has begun to shrink, weight and strength are returning, and quality of life has dramatically improved. However, because this approach is not covered by insurance, the cost of the medication has become an overwhelming burden. The family is requesting $1,100 to cover the next three months of essential medication. This will allow them to continue the therapy that is literally giving life back, while easing the financial stress of ongoing medical and household expenses. They remain deeply grateful for every prayer, word of encouragement, and act of generosity shown during this journey of faith, healing, and hope. Submitted by: FISH	All Locations	Medical	No	N/A	Active