Blog
Read the latest news and information from LEAF.
How we all benefit from nonprofits every day
June 24, 2025
There’s a widespread misconception that charity is just for the “less fortunate”—the poor, the marginalized, etc.—even though those of us in the nonprofit sector know we all benefit from the work nonprofits do on a daily basis. Not only do nonprofits provide assistance to those affected by a climate disaster, illness, financial calamity, or other unexpected…
MCF Condemns Acts of Violence and Continues Work to Strengthen Communities
June 19, 2025
On June 14, 2025, Minnesota experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Speaker Emerita and State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their home. That same day, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were critically injured in a similar attack at their residence. Both Senator Hoffman and his wife remain in stable conditio…
PAKRAT Roll & Read Bus Begins June 9
June 9, 2025
The PAKRAT Roll and Read book bus will be coming to a neighborhood near you! Come borrow your favorite books from the library on the bus! Our book bus is open to children of all ages, birth through grade 8, and completely free!
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer – come to any location that is convenient for you. Everyone is welcome at any s…
How LEAF 742 Supports Education and Enrichment in District 742
June 5, 2025
In the heart of Central Minnesota, the Local Education & Activities Foundation—better known as LEAF 742—plays a vital role in enriching the educational experience for students in District 742. Established to support and enhance both academic and extracurricular programs, LEAF acts as a bridge between community generosity and student success.
LEAF provi…
LEAF 742 Spreads Joy and Literacy at Community Event
May 21, 2025
On Saturday, May 17th, LEAF 742 had the privilege of co-sponsoring a vibrant community event that brought together over 1,500 people for a day filled with fun, connection, and celebration. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of community engagement—and the joy of a good book and a cool treat on a not-so-warm May day in Minnesota!
As part of the festiv…
The Truth About Public Schools
May 14, 2025
By Dr. Laurie Putnam, Superintendent of St Cloud Area School District 742.
It’s fashionable these days to use public schools as a political talking point. Depending on who holds the microphone, schools are either failing our youth, wasting taxpayer dollars, or not doing enough to “fix” society’s problems—everything from declining civic engagement to the ri…