By Jamey Helgeson

The Arc Mower County

Starting in 2017, The Arc Mower County would like to reach out to children ​and adults with developmental disabilities by determining their needs and requests and providing them with a gift.

Some individuals might request only essential items such as socks, comforters, coats, and other simple necessities and that we sometimes take for granted. One simple gift can make a better holiday for someone. We are asking individuals, local companies, and faith communities to generously support this effort. We are requesting $50 or a gift for each person on our list.

If you can help us spread extra holiday cheer this year by adding one or more of these people to your gift list or giving tree, please call Jamey at The Arc Mower County at 507-433-8994, extension 102 or send an email to jamey@thearcmc.org.

You may choose names and gift ideas, be assigned to an individual, you can mail us a check made payable to The Arc Mower County with a notation Holiday Gift Drive 2017 in the memo line or make a donation online.

Monetary and gift donations need to be received at The Arc by Thursday, Dec. 7. The deadlines are early to ensure gifts are purchased and wrapped, ready for a timely delivery.

If your organization needs more time to get your donation together, please call the office to arrange a special date. We stress these need to be new gifts. We also request that you not wrap gifts.  However, we will happily accept donations of gift boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon, and tape.

During the hectic holiday season, we tend to forget there are people out there who cannot afford even the basic needs for life. Therefore, getting a head start now will mean even more good cheer during the holidays. We hope you will join us in spreading some holiday cheer! Thank you in advance for your support for the individuals from The Arc Mower County.

We will be accepting Holiday Gift Drive requests until Nov. 1.

To be eligible you must:

Be a Mower County resident

Have a medical diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability

Please complete the request form at www.thearcmc.org/holiday-gift-drive and be as detailed and specific as possible. It is very important to understand not just the person’s wish list items, but also their developmental age and functionality level so that the appropriate items can be considered.

Requests for gift cards will not be accepted.

Learn more at www.thearcmc.org/holiday-gift-drive

Upcoming Events

The Arc In The Park Membership Picnic (E) Rescheduled from Sept. 15.

5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10., This is a free event.

How to register: Call 507-433-8994, email registration@thearcmc.org, online at http://www.thearcmc.org

Halloween Spooktacular Dance: 6-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20. Member fee: $3

Non-member fee: $6

How to register: Call 507-433-8994, email registration@thearcmc.org, online at http://www.thearcmc.org

•Autism Emergency Preparedness Workshops

—First Responder Emergency Preparedness, designed for first responders, 911 dispatchers, EMT’s, hospital personnel, law enforcement, fire fighters, service providers, legal professionals and community leaders. This kit includes tools and resources for professionals who encounter individuals with ASD. 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2.

—Family, Caregiver, and Individuals with Autism Emergency Preparedness,

designed for individuals with ASD and their families and caregivers, this kit provides tools and resources to plan, prepare and effectively handle emergency situations. 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2.

Co-Sponsors/Partners: The Autism Society of Minnesota, The Arc Mower County, Austin Public Schools Community Education, Hormel Historic Home Autism Programs

Register by calling 507-433-8994, email registration@thearcmc.org, online at www.thearcmc.org/autism-emergency-preparedness-workshops through Eventbrite, free, max 50 people per session. Workshops will be held at The Arc Mower County, 401 2nd Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912.