Staff photo by Fritz Busch Ivy House Director Evan Curtis accepts a $1,221 check from New Ulm author/artist Amber Collins at the New Ulm’s Own store, 212 N. Minnesota St. Wednesday. The business matched customer donations to the Southern Minnesota Crisis Nursery from Valentine’s Day card sales.

NEW ULM — A downtown New Ulm fair trade store and Valentine’s Day card and gift customers helped out the Southern Minnesota Crisis Nursery Wednesday with a $1,221 donation.

“A big thank you,” said Ivy House Director Evan Curtin after the check was passed. New Ulm’s Own, 212 N. MInnesota St. matched donations made by customers who bought cards and gifts created by New Ulm artist/author Amber Collins.

“We’re very, very busy, supporting at-risk families in New Ulm and southern Minnesota,” said Curtin.

Ivy House, an independent, non-profit organization supported by donations and grants, is open and continues to serve families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nursery serves anyone who calls and asks for help with taking care of their children due to stressful situations. Children up to age 12 can stay at the nursery for an hour or up to 72 hours at a time, for a total of 30 days in a year.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance, call the crisis nursery hotline at 507-766-6925. Help is available around the clock.

The crisis center wish list includes children’s picture bibles, Play-Doh, kinetic sand, fluoride-free toddler toothpaste, size 4-6 diapers and pull-ups for girls and boys, small hair brushes, hair detangler, postage stamps, grocery store gift cards, office supplies, housewares including soap and hand sanitizer, and a kid’s toy kitchen with accessories.

New items needed are small Lego sets, comfortable clothing for age 2-12, tennis shoes, boots, socks, underwear, pajamas and Similac Advanced and Sensitive infant formula.

New Ulm’s Own features coffee, chocolates, and handcrafted items from around the world and artwork created by local artisans.

For more information, visit www.smncrisisnursery.org and newulmsown.yolasite.com

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).