Minnetrista hosts event for donations

This weekend offers an opportunity to give back.

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens is hosting Minnetrista Gives Back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

During the event, Minnetrista will collect donations to benefit The Excel Center, Muncie Firefighters Toys for Tots, Open Door Health Services and Whitely Community Food Pantry. Items of need include shelf-stable food, diapers, wipes, new and gently used toys and personal hygiene supplies.

Donors will receive a coupon for purchases at Minnetrista’s The Orchard Shop.

"Minnetrista values our role as a place for the community to come together to inspire a better future for all,” said Jennifer Parks-Strack, director of development at Minnetrista, in a press release. “We are happy to use our building to generate support for families in our community this holiday season.”

Minnetrista is located at 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway and donations can be dropped off at the Center Building.

Jayland party

Jayland Partners is hosting its annual Christmas party next month. The free event, slated for 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Bryant Wesleyan Church, is open to people with special needs, friends, families and caregivers. There will be music, snacks and drinks.

Canning exhibit

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens of Muncie has a new exhibit — Crisis Canning — open through Jan. 26.

The exhibit highlights the evolution of canning as a crucial practice during times of crisis, showcasing historic objects from Minnetrista’s collection that show how the art of food preservation has transformed from an ordinary cooking method into a vital form of emergency planning throughout American history. It shares how canning has played a role through wars, pandemics and economic challenges.

Minnetrista will also host canning workshops on No. 7, 8 and 14, and Dec. 18. For more information, visit minnetrista.net or call (765) 282-4848.