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

April 23, 2025
A Journey of Hope and Resilience
By Brittany Hoversten April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.
March 28, 2025
PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000