Contact:

Heather Branigin
Valley View Service Squad Advisor
Phone: 952-240-9727
Email: hbranigin@earthlink.net

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Valley View Middle School Service Squad will partner with Bridging, Inc. for donation drive April 23

Edina, Minn., Apr. 15, 2010 – The Valley View Middle School Service Squad decided to keep on trucking with Bridging, Inc. after positive feedback from community members and students last year. The student group wanted to incorporate the community and serve a local organization to tie-in with the charitable aspect of the All-School Party.

“It fit so well last year, and they had so much fun, it seemed natural to do it again,” said Heather Branigin, one of the Valley View Service Squad advisors.  “It’s their way of reaching out.”

Bridging Inc. is a local organization that provides furniture and household items to families in need. In 2009, Bridging served over 5,000 families in the Twin Cities area, providing them with the necessities to set up a home.

A Bridging truck will be in the Valley View parking lot from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 23 to accept donations of quality furniture and household items. Volunteers are needed to staff the truck in 1-2 hour shifts. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Valley View Service Squad Advisor, Heather Branigin at 952-240-9727.

Bridging accepts good quality used beds, tables, chairs, and dressers as well as basic items such as lamps, bedding, and towels. For detailed information on specific donations, please see visit their website, www.bridging.org.

Additionally, as part of their annual all-school party, Valley View students are raising money to benefit the Minnesota Military Family Foundation and Unicef. The Minnesota Military Family Foundation is a statewide organization that offers financial assistance to deployed Minnesota military personnel, their spouses and children. The students chose the Minnesota Military Foundation in honor of teacher Chris Hoffman, who will soon be deployed to Southwest Asia on his fourth and final mission. Unicef funds will be directed toward Haiti relief.

About Edina Public Schools:
Edina Public Schools is comprised of six elementary schools (K-5), two middle schools (6-9) and one senior high (10-12). Total enrollment is approximately 7,800 students. The District serves a large portion of Edina, a first-tier Minneapolis suburb comprised of approximately 47,450 people.

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