AWG Cares: Annual Day of Service!

September 27, 2023

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) Annual Day of Service

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) and their charitable organization, AWG Cares, held their Annual Day of Service on Saturday, September 23. The AWG Upper Midwest Division Team of Volunteers spent time helping at the Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf. The team had a fun, rewarding experience cleaning and stocking the shelves.


Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf provides access to healthy and nutritious food for individuals and families faced with missing meals and primarily serves the cities of St. Cloud, St. Augusta, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park. However, our food shelf services are available to anyone who needs them regardless of where they live.


In 2022, Catholic Charities Food Shelf distributed 1,737,320 pounds of food to 11,443 individuals across 3,937 households in central Minnesota and beyond.


In August 2023, Catholic Charities Food Shelf distributed 184,109 pounds of food to 4,872 individuals and anticipates an ever-increasing need throughout 2023.


Thank you to Catholic Charities team members Eric and Nikki who also spent some of their Saturday with the AWG volunteers!


AWG Cares is an employee-managed, company-supported and community-focused non-profit charitable organization. Its purpose is to help AWG and subsidiary employees support the charities they care about and to give back to the communities where they work and live. AWG Cares focuses on three main areas: disaster relief, medical research, and hunger/homelessness.


AWG Cares is more than just a charitable giving fund. The organization sponsors dozens of community service projects to help give back to communities. During AWG Cares Annual Day of Service, employees and their families are invited to participate in a variety of community service opportunities. AWG matches employee donations to the organization and regularly donates additional resources to the efforts of AWG Cares.


Since its inception in 2017, AWG Cares has made 213 grants to organizations nominated by AWG and subsidiary employees. AWG Cares has donated more than $559,000 to charitable organizations in the communities where their employees work and live.


Thank you, AWG and AWG Cares, for your continued support of Catholic Charities. Together, we can make a different tomorrow for our community. 

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.