About Community Thread
Hours Volunteered
10,000+
Volunteers Engaged
365+
Value of Volunteer Time
$380K+
Round Trip Rides Completed
900+
Community encounters
21,000
About Community Thread
Community Thread was founded in 1967 when a group of concerned citizens mobilized volunteers to help people no longer able to drive with rides to obtain medical care.
What started as a small volunteer effort has grown into a vital community hub that connects hundreds of residents each year to the support, services, and relationships they need to thrive. Today, we mobilize nearly 400 volunteers annually to improve quality of life for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families across our region. By combining practical assistance with meaningful social connection, we help people remain independent, engaged, and supported – often preventing isolation and more costly interventions down the line.
Our work is increasingly important as the region’s population continues to grow and age, making volunteer-supported services essential to helping vulnerable residents maintain independence. Click here to view our most recent annual report, and read more about our impact.
We deliver our services through three core programs:
Activities & Services for Aging in Place
Engagement and enrichment activities. These activities help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and community members of all ages stay connected, active, and supported. From social gatherings and hobby groups to fitness classes, educational workshops, and opportunities for creative expression, our programming fosters connection, lifelong learning, and physical and mental wellbeing.
Volunteer-powered assistance. Trained volunteers provide essential, no-cost support such as rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and help with household and seasonal tasks—services that are often unavailable or unaffordable for those we serve.
FREE Tax Preparation Assistance
Since 1973, Community Thread has partnered with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program to provide free, high-quality tax preparation for low- and moderate-income residents from trained, IRS-certified volunteers complete both federal and state income tax returns, ensuring that these residents can file accurate returns, access eligible credits, and retain more of their limited income.
Holiday Hope
Our annual Holiday Hope initiative brings the community together to support families facing financial hardship. By coordinating efforts with local businesses, civic groups, and individual donors, we provide gifts to children who might otherwise go without—ensuring every family can experience dignity and joy during the holiday season.
Locations and Hours
STILLWATER LOCATION
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; and Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Address: 2300 Orleans Street West, Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: 651-439-7434
Fax: 651-789-4193
Our Stillwater location is a block north of Cub Foods and across the street from the St. Croix Rec Center.
Email: Contact@CommunityThreadMN.org
BAYPORT LOCATION
Hours: Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 3:00; Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; and fitness as scheduled
Address: 342 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 180, Bayport, MN 55003
Phone: 651-275-8907
Our Bayport location is in the White Pine Building. Parking is available in the back.