Catholic Charities CARES for Community Campaign

May 5, 2020

On Friday, March 27, the President signed into law H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The CARES Act contains a number of relief provisions—including tax provisions—designed to sustain Americans during the COVID-19 health and economic crisis.

Sections 2204 and 2205 of the CARES Act outline a charitable giving incentive for any donor that makes a contribution to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in an amount of up to $300 in the year 2020, resulting in a non-itemized tax deduction applied to all taxpayers to their 2020 tax returns.

Since first establishing the Pandemic Relief Fund in March, Catholic Charities has already received $40,000 from our community to be used towards a match. Know that by donating your $300 tax incentive to the Catholic Charities Pandemic Relief Fund, your donation of $300 or more helps us reach our $100,000 goal.

Catholic Charities is one of the largest emergency service providers serving the Central Minnesota community. Additional financial donations are needed for us to continue providing relief to our neighbors negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Catholic Charities is committed to the health and safety of our clients, staff and volunteers. Our ability to continue providing critical services is of utmost importance. Thank you for caring for our community and for continuing to be beacons of hope.

Help us meet our match! Donate to the CARES for Community Campaign at ccstcloud.org/donate.

Our Recent News

Introducing Porch

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
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Gordon's Story

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.

Grow & Give

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
If your garden is overflowing this summer, you’re not alone—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or beans, your extra produce can do more than fill your pantry. It can help feed families right here in our community. Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is hosting a Grow & Give donation event, running now through October 2025. The idea is simple: if you’re growing a garden, consider growing a little extra—or sharing what you won’t use—and donate it to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always in high demand, and your homegrown produce can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. How to Donate 📍 Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) 🕘 Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm 🔔 Please ring the buzzer at Door D during donation hours. Staff or volunteers will meet you at the door to accept your donation. For food safety, donations must be handed directly to staff—please do not leave produce unattended or drop off outside posted hours.