Dear 5th Bridge Pledgers,

After a really long winter, wouldn't it feel great to gather your friends and loved ones and get outside and participate in an activity that will make a difference? Get involved and find a way to share your individual gifts and talents ... volunteer today!

Adopt A Highway
5th Bridge has adopted three sections of highway in southern Dakota County on the north edge of Northfield on behalf of Northfield volunteers. Groups can sign up to clean up a section during the spring, summer or fall. We already have groups committed for the spring clean-up, but are currently scheduling for summer and fall. If you are interested in helping with highway clean-up, e-mail candy@5thbridge.org.

National Volunteer Week is April 19–April 25
Watch for a special section in the Northfield News about volunteerism and check out the 5th Bridge website for ways that you can volunteer.

April 22, 2010 is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day
Spend the day cleaning your yard, a local park, or the riverfront. Sit down with your friends or family and brainstorm ways that you can live your life more "green," and then put the ideas into action.

RECYCLE USED BOOKS
Donate your used books to the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary's, "Great Northfield Book Raid." Books can be dropped off at the Ice Arena beginning April 5. Visit the hospital's website for details. Sale begins on April 27.

VOLUNTEER TO TURN YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS INTO CASH FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAUSE OR CHARITY
Get involved in 5th Bridge's 3rd Annual Goods for Good – The Great Northfield Rummage Raid for Charity. This environmentally friendly, community-building, fund-raising, fun event will be held April 30–May 1 (May 2 is Curbside Free Day and the celebration for the participants). Our goal is to recruit at least 30 sites to host a rummage sale or refreshment stand with at least 50% of the proceeds benefiting good causes. 5th Bridge will organize the event, help mobilize the site hosts, develop a tool kit to make the project easier, create a map with site locations, provide regional promotion, help coordinate the disposal of sale leftovers and organize a success celebration. We are hosting a final information session on Thursday, April 8, at the United Methodist Church in Northfield from 7 to 8 p.m. Deadline to register is April 23, 2010, so hurry! Register to host a sale or refreshment stand today by visiting our website. Contact Candy Taylor with questions: candy@5thbridge.org or call 507-581-3017.

There is a huge variety of ways to volunteer that will tap your unique interests or talents. Take the time to explore our 300+ Ways to Volunteer and find the perfect opportunity for you. Visit www.5thbridge.org.

Thank you for all that you do to make a difference!

Candy Taylor and your friends at 5th Bridge