MINNESOTA: They Come Bearing Gifts

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

MINNESOTA: They Come Bearing Gifts

Star Tribune (12.25.03) - Monday, December 29, 2003
Jill Burcum

The Aliveness Project, a Minneapolis-based outreach program, distributed gift baskets on Christmas to hundreds of Upper Midwest families living with HIV/AIDS. "Many people living with HIV are disowned by their relatives and family for the holidays," said Joe A. Larson, executive director of the program. "Even after two decades of this epidemic, that still happens."

Larson said he is unaware of another Minnesota holiday gift basket program that focuses solely on families affected by HIV/AIDS, although he is sure there are other such programs nationwide. The Aliveness Project is in its 16th year. The project, which started in 1985, runs a meal service, a food pantry, and provides social services to HIV/AIDS patients.

Businesses and individuals donate many gift items, Larson said, and the organization holds fundraisers to pay for gifts it buys. Church groups donate handmade quilts.

Hundreds of volunteers hand deliver the baskets, distributing about 675 this Christmas. Last year, more than 950 adults and 570 children received gifts through the project.
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