Decorah Pride in northeast Iowa seeks band applications
DECORAH — An Iowa Pride group within miles of two other states is inviting live bands to apply to fill a premier spot during its annual festival. Decorah Pride, happening Oct. 10, asks bands to apply by Sept. 14 for a one-hour afternoon slot at Decorah Pride Fest. The nonprofit has budgeted $300 to $500 for the honor; the application asks about musical style, crowd reaction, and previous Pride experience. To apply for the spot, head to Decorah Pride’s application here. The nonprofit is also seeking businesses and nonprofits to be “community partners” with booths or tables at the festival; interested community partners can apply here. Decorah Pride takes place from1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 10 in downtown Decorah. The group also plans a nighttime party for adults only. Learn more at decorahpride.org.
Donations of outdoor kids', teens' equipment needed
CEDAR RAPIDS — For the kids at Foundation 2 Crisis Service’s emergency shelter, plenty of “play outside” weather remains — which means donations are needed to keep those kids active. The nonprofit is seeking “gently used” kids’ equipment for outdoor activities, such as water toys and slides; chalk; balls; and adult-size bicycles, Foundation 2’s emergency shelter for youth has a capacity of 17 kids and serves 11- to 17-year-olds or teens who are experiencing homelessness, have run away, or are in an unsafe situation by providing them meals, travel, medical care, school and free individual or group counseling. To donate, swing by Foundation 2’s Cedar Rapids headquarters, Â 305 2nd Ave. SE, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. With questions about donations, you can also call 319-362-1170 or email info@foundation2.org. Youth who are in need of emergency shelter can call 319-366-8797. Foundation 2 also provides 24-hour crisis counseling for all ages at 319-362-2174; suicide prevention outreach and services; and violence reduction efforts.
Faith UCC calls for "Blessing Boxes' refills by Oct. 18
MUSCATINE — The open and affirming Faith United Church of Christ is seeking donations of canned meats, hot chocolate packs, granola bars, gloves and hand-warmers , and other winter comfort items to help replenish “Blessing Boxes” downtown that help the food insecure make it through tough times on their own time. Faith UCC is among three affirming faith groups that work with Muscatine’s Sanctuary, a youth group for kids in sixth through twelfth grades, run by the ecumenical Christian Day Camp, to keep the boxes stocked. You can drop off your donated items at Faith UCC, 3307 Mulberry Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until Oct. 18. Also participating in the Blessing Box program: Vineyard Muscatine: Wellspring Community Church and Trinity Episcopal Church of Muscatine. The Blessing Boxes are positioned outside of the churches or downtown, kept stocked by Sanctuary and its partners, and can be accessed at any time.
