Announcing the 10th Annual Pack the Porches Food Drive

February 28, 2020

Benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf and in Partnership with the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign

Did you know that more than 3 million visits are made per year to Minnesota food shelves, and that 45 percent of Minnesotans on the SNAP program (“food stamps”) are children?

This March, as part of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, Catholic Charities will hold its 10th annual Pack the Porches food drive, benefitting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf.

On Friday, March 20, from 7 am to 1 pm, Catholic Charites Food Shelf will accept donations of nonperishable food items and funds at three drop-off locations: Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 5th Ave S, Saint Cloud; HealthPartners, 2251 Connecticut Ave S, Sartell; and St. Cloud Hyundai, 900 2nd St S, Waite Park.

March is typically a challenging month for Minnesota food shelves, and as summer approaches and school lunches are no longer available for the 45 percent of SNAP participants who are children, donations become even more important.

Join Catholic Charities to end Minnesota hunger and increase awareness of food insecurity within the St. Cloud area. Coborn’s will match up to 10,000 pounds of food donations, and donors on the day of Pack the Porches will receive a free cup of coffee with each food or cash donation at their drop-off location. Monetary donations are also accepted at all three locations and at ccstcloud.org.

Many businesses and schools across the St. Cloud area are also holding a Pack the Porches food drive in March, leading up to March 20, when they’ll be delivering their collected food items and funds to one of the drop-off locations. For more information on becoming a participating partner, contact Eric Vollen, marketing and public relations manager, Catholic Charities, at 320-650-1641 or eric.vollen@ccstcloud.org.

Can’t make it to Pack the Porches? The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign continues through April 12. Bring nonperishable items to Catholic Charities Food Shelf, 157 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud, and donate funds in person or online. Visit ccstcloud.org/minnesota-foodshareto learn more.

About Minnesota FoodShare

Minnesota FoodShare is an interfaith organization aiming to fight food insecurity and raise awareness of it among Minnesota communities. The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign is the largest annual grassroots food and fund drive in the state, and helps to stock nearly 300 food shelves statewide. During the 2019 March Campaign, more than 8 million dollars and over 5.1 million pounds of food shelf items were raised by Minnesota food shelves and Minnesota FoodShare. To date, Minnesota FoodShare has distributed over 17.8 million dollars to March Campaign participating food shelves via the Minnesota FoodShare FoodFund. 100 percent of donations received by Minnesota FoodShare during the March Campaign go into the FoodFund and are distributed to March Campaign participating food shelves.

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is a nonprofit organization that works to build communities, promote family life and enhance human dignity by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs.

Our Recent News

Make God's Love Visible: Raphael's Story

By Jenna Pettit • October 27, 2025
Raphael's Story: Senior Dining

Help Keep Central MN Warm this Winter!

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.

A New Opportunity for Tyrone

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.