Community Shares of Minnesota, founded in 1978, functions as the oldest progressive workplace giving federation in the state and the only one dedicated exclusively to human rights and social justice organizations. Community Shares works with 47 local nonprofits and brings them to the attention of businesses and organizations that host workplace giving campaigns. Those campaigns share in the effort to uphold causes such as affordable housing, access to healthcare, quality education and human rights. Individuals in the workplace get to act on their beliefs and support specific community needs and nonprofits are able to carry out their mission. The Minnesota Senior Federation is one of the 47 nonprofits that participates in Community Shares work and benefits from the shared gifts of workplace giving partners. The member logo is proudly displayed on the front page of Minnesota Senior News every month.

If you work in a company or organization that does not host a workplace giving campaign and you think it would benefit from a Community Shares presence, you can contact Jodi Williams at 651/647-0440 ext. 215. If your organization already has a workplace campaign with another charitable entity, perhaps there is room for two -- Community Shares focuses on social justice and action and donors may choose to target their gifts to particular nonprofits within the diverse collection.

There are other opportunities to benefit the charities of Community Shares. Ten Thousand Villages at 867 Grand Ave. in St. Paul will host a holiday shopping evening on Monday, Dec. 17, 5-8 p.m. Twenty percent of your total purchase will go to Community Shares annual campaign on behalf of its member charities. It’s a wonderful way to support local nonprofits providing services in our community and artisans working with Ten Thousand Villages.

For more information on this event or Community Shares, call 651/647-0440.