Apple Valley Gives Back: How To Make A Difference This Season And Beyond

Giving Tuesday is all about generosity — and some of the most meaningful giving happens right here at home. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday shifts the focus from finding deals to doing good. But there’s no reason to wait — or stop once the day has passed.

This year, Patch and T-Mobile are spotlighting organizations in the Apple Valley area that are making a difference and helping others in need. These local groups are doing important work, and there are plenty of ways to support them — from donating and volunteering to spreading the word. This isn’t a complete list, but it’s a great place to start, so be sure to reach out to each organization directly to learn how you can help.

360 Communities

360 Communities provides safety and stability for individuals and families facing poverty, homelessness, hunger and violence throughout Dakota County. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting programs like the Lewis House domestic violence shelter, food shelves and resource centers. You can get involved by volunteering your time, organizing a donation drive or making a financial contribution.

Learn more: 360communities.org

Apple Valley Arts Foundation

Since 1999, the Apple Valley Arts Foundation has enriched the community by supporting arts education and bringing high-quality performances to local audiences. The foundation has contributed more than $300,000 to school arts programs and welcomes community support to help sustain future events.
Learn more: avartsfoundation.org

DARTS

DARTS helps older adults in the Twin Cities southeast metro stay independent through transportation, home maintenance and caregiver support services. Volunteers can provide rides, assist with yard work or spend time with seniors through memory-care and intergenerational learning programs. Those interested can also support DARTS by joining a group project or donating to help sustain community programming.
Learn more: dartsconnects.org

Eastview Community Foundation

The Eastview Community Foundation empowers K–12 students in the Eastview attendance area by providing scholarships, teacher grants and direct aid to families in need. With support from donors and volunteers, the foundation has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships and funded hundreds of classroom projects.
Learn more: evcf.org

Kids ‘n Kinship

Serving Apple Valley, Rosemount and the surrounding communities, Kids ‘n Kinship connects local youth with caring adult mentors who provide friendship, guidance and encouragement. Volunteers can become mentors or help at youth events; community donations are also accepted to support the organization’s year-round programming.
Learn more: kidsnkinship.org

Pet Haven of Minnesota

Pet Haven of Minnesota is the state’s first foster-based animal rescue, committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming cats and dogs in need. The Minneapolis-based nonprofit is powered entirely by volunteers who provide foster care, coordinate adoptions and assist with veterinary support.
Learn more: pethavenmn.org/volunteer

Reaching Up

Reaching Up offers after-school academic enrichment programs for elementary, middle and high school students in financial need, particularly those referred by schools in District 196. The organization is funded through donations and grants and depends on volunteers who serve as tutors, mentors and van drivers. You can support their mission by volunteering your time or making a financial contribution.
Learn more: reachingupmn.org

Rotary Club of Apple Valley

The Rotary Club of Apple Valley unites community members in service, addressing both local and global needs through volunteer projects and fundraising efforts. Its initiatives include charitable drives, community service work and scholarships through the Apple Valley Rotary Scholarship Foundation. Those interested in getting involved can join as a member or volunteer as a speaker for club events.
Learn more: applevalleyrotary.org

Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization works to protect and restore the natural resources that sustain communities across Dakota County. Volunteers can get involved by adopting a storm drain, joining a wetland or water-monitoring team or training as an aquatic invasive species detector to help keep local waters clean and healthy.
Learn more: vermillionriverwatershed.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/

Give back in whatever way feels right for you — together, we can make an impact in Apple Valley.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.