90 Sponsors Needed for Catholic Charities Share the Spirit

November 30, 2022

Share the Spirit needs 90 sponsors to help support families in need this holiday season.

 

Share the Spirit, a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, helps provide a wonderful holiday experience for households in need by matching individuals and families referred to Catholic Charities by area social workers, medical providers and education professionals with individuals, groups and organizations that wish to provide gifts for a memorable holiday season.

 

Share the Spirit has 290 families who have applied for the 2022 program, an increase from 284 families in 2021.

 

“By partnering with local professionals, we’re able to identify and lift up local families in need during the holiday season,” said Melissa Blair, Share the Spirit program coordinator.

 

“When you sponsor a family, you receive a list of the family’s wants and needs for each household member. Families of all sizes are available for Share the Spirit sponsorship, and we ask that donors spend about $70 per family member on gifts,” says Blair.

 

“We also accept monetary donations to the program. When you donate online at ccstcloud.org/donate and designate your gift to Share the Spirit, we’ll do the shopping for you,” says Blair.

 

Items that have been gift-wrapped are delivered to the Minnesota National Guard Armory in St. Cloud on Thursday, December 15. Sponsored families or their area social workers pick up gifts the following day on Friday, December 16.

 

To sponsor a Share the Spirit family, visit ccstcloud.org/sharethespirit and complete and submit the Sponsor a Family online donor form. Or call Melissa Blair, Share the Spirit program coordinator, at 320-229-4580.

Our Recent News

By Jenna Pettit October 27, 2025
Raphael's Story: Senior Dining
By Jenna Pettit October 21, 2025
As the crisp autumn air settles in and football season hits its stride, Catholic Charities is proud to partner with the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University for a heartwarming cause: a Winter Wear Drive during the Johnnie Football Game on Saturday, October 25, 2025 , part of the schools’ Family Weekend celebration. While fans gather to cheer on the Johnnies, we’re inviting everyone to bring the warmth—literally. We’re collecting coats, hats, mittens, boots, and other cold-weather gear to support families in need across Central Minnesota. With winter fast approaching, this drive is more than a donation—it’s a lifeline for those facing the season without adequate protection from the cold. Our goal? 250+ coats. Our mission? Ensuring no one faces winter unprepared. Collection boxes will be conveniently placed around campus, near the field, and in the tailgate area , making it easy for attendees to drop off their donations while enjoying the game-day festivities. Can’t make it to the game? No problem! You can still be part of the effort. Donation boxes will be available at BOTH Blueline Sports locations , so you can contribute at your convenience. This collaboration between Catholic Charities and CSB/SJU is a powerful example of community coming together—not just to celebrate, but to care. Let’s rally for warmth, compassion, and generosity. Together, we can make a real difference. Let’s make this Family Weekend one to remember—for all the right reasons.
By Brittany Hoversten October 15, 2025
Homelessness can be an isolating and heartbreaking experience. For many individuals, it can feel like an endless cycle of setbacks, leaving them uncertain of where to turn for help. This is the story of Tyrone, a 37-year-old man who, after spending an extended period on the streets, found his way to Catholic Charities Emergency Services—and with it, a renewed sense of hope and a path forward. Tyrone's journey began when he was introduced to Catholic Charities by the staff at Place of Hope in St. Cloud, a shelter that provides support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Tyrone was eager to make a change, but he knew he faced some significant challenges: securing stable housing and finding a job. To do this, he needed identification and other key documents, which would be vital for his employment and housing applications. When Tyrone came to Catholic Charities, he was not just seeking food assistance—he needed tangible support to help him rebuild his life. We were able to offer exactly what he needed, starting with a free bus pass to help him get around. This small but crucial gift allowed him to travel to job interviews and important appointments without the burden of transportation costs. In his appointment with our Financial Assistance program, Tyrone was relieved to learn that Catholic Charities could offer additional support. First, we helped him obtain his state identification card, followed by his birth certificate. These documents were essential for Tyrone to move forward with securing employment and housing. After some interviews, Tyrone accepted a job at a local restaurant in St. Cloud. We were able to help him purchase two pairs of black pants, a necessary uniform requirement for his new position. With the right clothing and documentation, Tyrone was ready to take on his new job. Looking back on his experience, Tyrone shared how grateful he was for the help he received from Catholic Charities. Our services gave him more than just the physical items he needed—they provided him with the tools and resources to regain his independence and start a new chapter in his life. We are proud to have been a part of Tyrone’s journey, and we are committed to helping others in our community who are facing similar struggles.