Serving our neighbors
Wooddale is deeply committed to transforming our community with the hope of the gospel. Discover ways you can pray, serve and give as we meet practical needs to display the heart of Christ by bringing hope, compassion and the message of the gospel to those around us.
PRAY
The Twin Cities has been facing significant challenges recently. In times of fear and uncertainty, God calls His people to return to the simplest and most powerful response: prayer.
Starting February 1, we invite you to join us for 28 days of prayer by praying 2 Chronicles 7:14 over the Twin Cities each day at 7:14 a.m. or 7:14 p.m. (or both times).
SERVE
Below are several ways you can serve the immediate and long-term needs of our community.
Wooddale Food & Personal Care Drive
February 1–28, 2026
Help care for our neighbors by donating food and personal care items. Together we can meet real needs, share hope and reflect God’s love in practical meaningful ways. How to participate:
- Bring food donations to any Wooddale campus by February 28
- Order from the Amazon Wish List >
- Register to serve with Wooddale in packing and organizing donated items >
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or bar soap
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers and wipes
- Baby lotion and baby wash
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- Household cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, disinfecting wipes)
Please donate new, unopened items only
- Rice
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit
- Canned beans
- Canned tuna or chicken
- Peanut butter
- Jelly or jam
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cooking oil
- Shelf-stable milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Baby food and formula
Please donate new, unopened items only
Distribution & Delivery
Wooddale is responding in two complementary ways: coordinating limited, targeted distribution where needs have been clearly identified, and mobilizing volunteers through long-standing partners who are already serving on the front lines.
Through Wooddale
In addition to serving through our local partners, Wooddale will coordinate the distribution of food, personal care and winter gear to meet immediate needs in our community, with a particular focus on supporting children and families connected to local schools.
Several nearby schools have identified students and families who are experiencing food insecurity, inconsistent attendance or difficulty accessing basic necessities. In response, Wooddale is working directly with school staff and counselors to provide support in ways that are discreet, relational and supportive of student well-being.
Distribution will support:
- Local schools that have identified urgent needs among students and families
- Trusted community partners serving immigrant and refugee families
- Local individuals and families experiencing immediate hardship
This distribution will include items from Wooddale’s Food & Personal Care Drive as well as winter clothing from our Clothing Closet, shared through schools and partner organizations as needs arise.
Ways to participate:
- Register to serve with Wooddale in packing and organizing donated items >
- Assist with distribution to schools, households and partner sites as opportunities become available
Local partners
Serve alongside a Wooddale local partner to meet the immediate needs of our community.
Arrive Ministries serves and walks alongside refugees and immigrants in Minnesota, providing essential support and practical assistance.
Good Neighbor Teams
Help ensure access to groceries, hygiene items and other critical needs.
Every Meal combats child hunger by partnering with schools and communities to provide weekend meals and fill food gaps for children.
Food Bag Packing
Pack food bags that are placed directly into students’ backpacks for the weekend.
View volunteer information >
Scroll down to the volunteer opportunity shifts at the bottom of the page and that availability is listed by month.
Jericho Road meets basic needs like food and lodging while dealing with underlying issues to bring restoration to people in the inner city.
Food Distribution
Stand behind tables stocked with produce and non-perishables to place in people’s bags as they come through the line for food.
PROP provides food and support to neighbors in need in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen and helps create a path toward self-sufficiency.
Food Distribution & Packing
Serve at food distribution events, assist with food packing and preparation or support neighbors through designated delivery or proxy pickup efforts.
Source MN engages in urban outreach and anti-trafficking efforts to empower at-risk and unreached people.
Food Deliveries
Help with one or more steps: bagging produce, packing boxes, loading vehicles or delivering food.
VEAP meets the immediate challenges of low-income people to support long-term stability in Edina, Richfield and Bloomington.
Food Distribution & Packing
Stock shelves and assisting neighbors as they shop, help with food packing and preparation, serve in delivery or logistical support roles.
Long-term serving
Opportunites to meet long-term needs in our community.
Arrive Ministries welcomes, serves and walks alongside refugees and immigrants in Minnesota, providing essential support and practical assistance by mobilizing volunteers and local churches to help them thrive in their new home. Volunteer opportunities:
- Join a Good Neighbor Team
- Commit to walking alongside a family with a small team over time
BrighterFutures.Life walks alongside families with school-age children who are experiencing financial challenges and may be at risk of losing their home. They provide partial rent relief, family partners and budget coaches to equip families with the tools and a hope to change their trajectory more toward a brighter future. Volunteer opportunities:
- Become a Budget Coach to teach financial skills and set goals
- Become a Family Partner who provide friendship, encouragement and guidance
GIVE
A designated option within the Wooddale Compassion Fund has been created to be used to support emergency housing and basic needs for families experiencing instability.
Funds will be distributed through trusted partners, including PROP and Arrive Ministries, ensuring support is provided with care, discretion and accountability.