Old School Lives

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Old School Lives 501(c)3 non-profit Faith based family services outreach serving St Louis County. Family Services outreach located at the Cotton School.

Providing services and opportunities in the areas of health, education, arts, recreation, youth activities, senior services, job skill training, and more. To assist in funding our programs OSL operates Second Chances Thrift Store, Old School Mercantile gift shop, and OSL Consignment Furniture. Check out our Etsy Shop as well: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OSLMarketPlace?ref=si_shop

10/15/2026
Sponsor Wanted $500: The MercantileThe mercantile contains arts made in the OSL art studios as well as pieces made by ov...
10/14/2026

Sponsor Wanted $500: The Mercantile
The mercantile contains arts made in the OSL art studios as well as pieces made by over 150 local makers; supporting local artists and the local economy. Any profits gained from sales go directly back to the art program and general operating costs of the building. We are committed to confirming the talents of artists in our community as well as encouraging individuals who are just beginning by bringing their art into the center of a rural community for others to benefit from. The Mercantile also tries to offer essential goods like milk, eggs, honey, syrup, organic flour, pasta, and of course ice cream! It’s a room full of electric goods that brings joy to all those enter, we always say you have to walk around at least 3 times to see it all! Won’t you consider sponsoring this space this winter season?!

Come join us for a delicious lunch this week!!
10/13/2026

Come join us for a delicious lunch this week!!

Come join us for lunch this week!
10/07/2026

Come join us for lunch this week!

North Gym Sponsor Wanted $1500! Thank you to our sponsors for the previous years! We are so grateful for each sponsor! T...
10/06/2026

North Gym Sponsor Wanted $1500! Thank you to our sponsors for the previous years! We are so grateful for each sponsor! The North gym is used for additional pickleball space, extra basketball space when the main gym is booked, open gym, meeting/practice space for the Naval Sea Cadet local chapter, occasional movie nights, thrift sales and more! It’s one space that’s had a lot of ideas but hasn’t been transformed into anything specific, yet! Sponsoring each room for the winter heating season is a great way to support programs and operations: Grants are frequently restricted to specific activities. Annual giving can provide the flexible resources needed to keep the organization itself running while continuing to deliver services.

Gym $2,000 SPONSOR NEEDED!The main gym is one of our most utilized spaces! As soon as we opened the doors again in 2012 ...
10/01/2026

Gym $2,000 SPONSOR NEEDED!
The main gym is one of our most utilized spaces! As soon as we opened the doors again in 2012 the gym was filled with kids, and it’s been used almost every day since then by at least one group! It doesn’t just meet physical needs but also allows the opportunity for connection within the community. In a tribute to sports banners that used to hang in the gym, we have started a new banner with sponsors for the various years! Here are some of the various groups that use our gym throughout the year:
Local school elementary basketball, volleyball, baseball/softball teams
Basketball leagues
Private basketball trainers
Northern Revival Volleyball
Pickleball (3 days a week!)
4-H
Homeschool enrichment groups
Hope Kidz After School
Roller Skating
Private Birthday Parties & Events
Open gym & free kid days
Specials Events & Programs (Junkaroo, Christmas Market, Christmas Dinner Theater)

Come join us for lunch this week!!
09/30/2026

Come join us for lunch this week!!

An annual fundraiser is more than an opportunity to raise money—it is an investment in the stability and future of our o...
09/30/2026

An annual fundraiser is more than an opportunity to raise money—it is an investment in the stability and future of our organization. Your support provides the flexible resources we need to continue serving our communities, respond to emerging needs, strengthen our programs, and ensure that our mission remains sustainable for years to come

Why annual fundraisers matter
* Provide flexible funding: Annual campaigns often generate unrestricted dollars that can be used where they are most needed—staffing, utilities, technology, supplies, emergency needs, or program costs.
* Create financial stability: Diversifying revenue reduces financial risk.
* Build lasting donor relationships
* Support programs and operations: Grants are frequently restricted to specific activities. Annual giving can provide the flexible resources needed to keep the organization itself running while continuing to deliver services.
* Strengthen the community connection
* Create a pipeline for future support
* Demonstrate community support

Get those bread preorders in for the weekend! Bread will be available for purchase in the Mercantile at 11am! Come get s...
09/25/2026

Get those bread preorders in for the weekend! Bread will be available for purchase in the Mercantile at 11am! Come get some delicious treats for the whole family!

Come check out our new displays for the bread too!

See you there!

Time for our Annual Turn Up the Heat Fundraiser!As the temperatures drop, Old School Lives needs your support to keep th...
09/24/2026

Time for our Annual Turn Up the Heat Fundraiser!
As the temperatures drop, Old School Lives needs your support to keep the warmth alive! As winter approaches, the temperature drops, and our community center becomes a vital haven for everyone. We provide warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging. However, rising heating costs are creating a heavy burden for our facility. Our Board of Directors are making a capital improvement plan as we speak, to improve the efficiency of the building itself! Hopefully this will be our last year fundraising for heat!

Join us in our "Turn Up the Heat" campaign to raise funds for essential heating costs this winter! Whether you utilize the wifi, fitness center, shoot hoops in the gym, eat lunch with us, play in the Discovery Center, shop, or volunteer at OSL, please consider donating!

How to Help:
1. Donate: Every dollar counts! Whether it’s $5 or $500, your contribution will directly support heating costs.
2. Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media and with friends. Help us reach more people who can make a difference!
3. Sponsor a Space: Consider sponsoring a room or area of the center for the season. Your name or business will be recognized, and you’ll be contributing to a vital cause. (email or message us to sponsor a specific space/room in the building)
Sponsor a room:
Main Lobby Space $500
Textile studio $500
Pottery studio $500
Fitness center $500
Children’s discovery center $500
Thrift store rooms (6) $500 each
Rivers bend eatery $750
Gym $2000
Small Gym $1500

All $500-$750 sponsors will have names on posters in the designated room!
$1500-$2000 sponsors will get an OSL thank you gift and a banner with their name in the sponsored room.

If you choose to donate to sponsor, leave a comment on Go Fund me with you donation specifying which room you would like to sponsor!

You can donate in the office via check/cash/card or on our website as well!

**Old School Lives is a 501(c)3, Donations are tax deductible!
Let’s turn up the heat and ensure our community stays warm this winter! Thank you for your support!

Time for our Annual Turn Up the Heat Fundraiser! As the temperatures drop, Old S… Kate Crispo needs your support for Turn up the Heat at Old School Lives

Address

9165 Highway 53
Cotton, MN
55724

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