‘Bidding’ a fond farewell to Empty Bowls 2020!

In the face of a global pandemic, many of our favorite events were cancelled — among them Empty Bowls. But creative minds and many willing volunteers found ways to keep the spirit of one of Stepping Stones’ most popular annual fundraisers alive.

We kicked things off by offering some of the beautiful bowls created by local potters, students and other artisans along with a lovely variety of handmade quilts for sale at our booth at the Menomonie Farmers Market throughout the summer. Thanks so much to all the folks who generously donated the “fruits” of their labors and, of course, to all of you who so generously purchased them!

And many thanks go to everyone who placed bids in our first-ever online Empty Bowls auction that featured many fine items that had already been donated for the silent auction before the first shutdown order in March. Siri Benrud’s professional photos really enhanced the look of the site. Lots of excitement was generated, especially in the last few hours before the week-long auction officially closed at 9 p.m. on Oct. 4th. Once again, the generosity of the donors — CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LIST — and the bidders ensure the success of our maiden effort!

Finally, we are so very grateful our wonderful sponsors!

Golden Ladle ($1,000)

Silver Spoon ($750)

Bronze Bowl ($500)

Burstad Insurance – Monte & Penny Burstad

Copper Kettle ($250)

Bill’s Distributing Dana Brunstrom CPA LLC Marshfield Clinic New Life Lutheran Church

State Farm Insurance-Jackie Hunt Agency Xcel Energy Gale & Dixie Chermack Karen Miller & Suzanne Gaines

Pewter Cup ($100)

Citizens State Bank Leipnitz Dental People’s State Bank Bob and Helen Redlich Royal Credit Union

Wire Whisk ($50)

Marion and Warren Lang

Thanks to everyone for all of your support!

What’s Happening at Stepping Stones!

Stepping Stones is temporarily CLOSED to all Walk-Ins. Only staff & volunteers are permitted in the building. Thank you for your understanding.

The Food Pantry is OPEN 4 days a week for curbside pick-up of pre-packed boxes/bags only. Anyone in need of food is welcome!

Hours have not changed, just days — Monday: 11:00 – 2:00; Wednesday: 3:00 – 6:00; Friday: 11:00 – 2:00; Saturday: 10:00 – Noon

We have plenty of food! We have reduced the number of pick up days to allow volunteers enough time to pack boxes and to reduce the number of volunteers we need.

Click here for more detailed Food Pantry information

IF YOU NEED OTHER HELP: If you need some other type of assistance or know someone who does (shelter, emergency financial assistance, etc.) please call or email us: 715.235.2920 info@steppingstonesdc.org We will reply within one business day.

FOOD DONATIONS: Donations of food and/or personal care products can now be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 am-4 pm. Although closed to walk-in visitors, Stepping Stones’ front entry is open for donation drop-offs. If you’d like us to unload the donation for you, please have it in your trunk, call us or ring the doorbell on the pantry door or front door, open your trunk, and then wait in your vehicle — in order to minimize contact for the safety of all of us.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS: If you’d like to make an online donation, please click on the DONATE button above. You can also all us, and we can process a credit card over the phone; or mail your donation to: Stepping Stones, 1602 Stout Rd., Menomonie, WI 54751

Thank you for your support!

Stay Safe! Be Well!

YOU SHOP.
AMAZON GIVES.

When you’re shopping online please use this Amazon Smile link to have 0.5% of your purchase donated directly to Stepping Stones! It couldn’t be easier to support Stepping Stones and we will all be smiling.

Note: You must use the above link or the Amazon Smile link on Amazon.com—using the mobile app does not give you the option to donate.

Contact Stepping Stones

Serving Dunn County

Stepping Stones seeks to foster a community that prevents hunger, homelessness and isolation throughout Dunn County through its three programs.

FOOD PANTRY

The Food Pantry provides food and personal care items to people in need and is currently averaging over 1,500 visits per month. Stepping Stones also provides Project SAM (Share A Meal) weekend kids meal bags to families with children or youth age 18 and under by request via curbside pick-up on Fridays & Saturdays.

SHELTERS

The Stepping Stones Shelters provide emergency shelter, housing assistance, and referral services. There are 5 shelter apartments for families of varying sizes. The apartments are always occupied and a waiting list is maintained.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

The Community Connections Program connects volunteers to people needing support services and provides direct assistance to people in emergency financial need as funds are available.

Statistically Speaking

1,498

Average visits to the Food Pantry per month in 2019. That’s an average of almost 60 families per day, six days a week, nearly 80% of whom are living at or below poverty level and the rest very close.

4,172

Nights of shelter provided in 2019 at either one of the Stepping Stones Shelters or at a local motel for short-term stays when the shelters are full.

392

Individuals and families who received over $20,000 in emergency financial assistance for rent, heat, electrical bills, fuel, clothing and other critical needs in 2019.

17,943

Volunteer hours contributed in 2019 to help make all of Stepping Stones’ programs and services possible.

Newsletter & Memorials Archives

Recent news and Memorial contributions

The Stepping Stones Newsletter is a vital communication tool that lets the community know about all of the great work that’s done each quarter by Stepping Stones’ volunteers, board, and staff. You can read about what’s happening with Stepping Stones’ programs, current events, ways to help, and other news and updates. The Gifts & Memorials insert is also included.

Newsletter and Memorials Archives

In the archives, all of the issues for each year are assembled into one PDF volume for your reading pleasure. It’s a great way to get a sense of the enduring work and mission of Stepping Stones!