EMERGENCY SERVICES SECOND IN MARCH CAMPAIGN

May 23, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Trina Dietz
Communications Coordinator
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
320.650.1644
trina.dietz@ccstcloud.org

We’re #2! Catholic Charities Emergency Services takes second in March Campaign Competition.

In the month of March, Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf collected more food and funds for their hungry neighbors than any other food shelf in the state, except one.

During their annual luncheon celebrating the success of their March Campaign, Minnesota FoodShare recognized the top 20 drives across the state. Catholic Charities came in second out of the 284 food shelves state-wide that participated.

“Events like Pack the Porches and the food drives done by local churches made a huge impact in the amount of food and funds we were able to collect,” said Steve Pareja, Executive Director of Catholic Charities. “We really appreciate the partnerships we have in the community with Coborn’s, Pioneer on Fifth, St. Cloud Hyundai, HealthPartners and the many other businesses who did food drives during the March Campaign to support our efforts.”

Minnesota FoodShare established the March Campaign to re-stock food shelves after the rush of donations from the holiday season is depleted. The food and funds collected help food shelves meet the demand during their busiest months – July and August.

“Typically, the busiest days at Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf are in the summer months. Schools do a great job supporting kids in need during the school year, but families rely on food shelves when that school assistance isn’t available in summertime.”

Donations are accepted and appreciated year-round at Catholic Charities. Donations are accepted 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Catholic Charities Emergency Services is located at 157 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud. Full information on items that are accepted is available at CCStCloud.org.

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Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that advances the charitable and social mission of the Diocese of St. Cloud. It builds communities, promotes family life and enhances 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

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By Brittany Hoversten • April 28, 2026
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is celebrating a meaningful boost to its Senior Nutrition efforts thanks to a generous $57,856.54 donation from the CentraCare Foundation. This contribution will support the full spectrum of Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition services — including Meals on Wheels, senior dining, and other nutrition initiatives that help older adults access healthy, reliable meals across central Minnesota. On Thursday, April 23, Catholic Charities President & CEO Aaron Fisk, Food Access Director Stacy Lund, and Senior Nutrition Manager Shannon Nolan gathered to accept the check from CentraCare Foundation. The gift represents a powerful investment in the health, independence, and dignity of seniors throughout the region. “We are grateful to the CentraCare Foundation for this generous donation. This support will have a significant and immediate impact on the older adults we serve,” said Stacy Lund, Food Access Director. “With this contribution, we can strengthen access to nutritious, consistent meals for seniors who face food insecurity. Nutritious food is a critical component of healthy aging, and your support helps us improve meal quality, expand service capacity, and maintain reliable nutrition assistance for seniors striving to remain healthy, independent, and safely in their homes.” Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs — including Meals on Wheels — provide nutritious meals, wellness checks, and social connection to at‑risk, homebound, ill, and vulnerable adults age 60 and older. For many seniors, especially those living alone or managing chronic health conditions, these daily visits and meal services are a lifeline. CentraCare Foundation’s mission centers on improving community health and well‑being. Their investment in Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition reflects a shared commitment to ensuring older adults have access to the nutrition and support they need to remain healthy and independent at home. This donation will help Catholic Charities continue expanding its reach, improving meal quality, and ensuring that no senior in need goes without a nutritious meal. To learn more about Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs or to inquire about services for yourself or a loved one, visit ccstcloud.org .

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By Jenna Pettit • March 27, 2026
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By Brittany Hoversten • March 5, 2026
If you ask anyone at Emergency Services, they’ll tell you the same thing: Nikki is unstoppable. Every single day, she goes above and beyond for Catholic Charities, our clients, and her team. Nikki is a proud mom of two, and her youngest recently moved out on their own. Life hasn’t always been easy—she lost her children’s father suddenly in 2006, a time she describes as chaotic and life-changing. Today, she’s in a happy relationship and loves spending time at the cabin, traveling, riding motorcycle, and making the yearly trip to Sturgis. Catholic Charities “found” Nikki in a very full-circle way. At the time, she was helping her dad with his job as a grocery vendor—the same stores that donate to Catholic Charities. difference for the community every day. At the end of each night, she lays her head down knowing she helped someone—and that’s what keeps her going. When her dad broke his elbow, Nikki stepped in to help him. Her strong work ethic caught the attention of a Catholic Charities program manager who had grown up with her dad. He saw something special in her and offered her a position. Her first assignment? Driving the Catholic Charities food truck—even though she had never driven a truck before. She remembers being terrified backing down the ramps, but her supervisor simply told her, “Keep it between the yellow lines.” She did—and that moment sparked the confidence that has fueled her ever since. Over the past 13 years, Nikki has worked in nearly every corner of Emergency Services. Nikki originally got pulled into Mardi Gras because her mom is crafty, and she’s been involved ever since. She especially loves the decorating and seeing everything come together. Last year’s event was particularly wild with so many new people, but Nikki’s natural leadership helped bring everyone together to create a fantastic experience. When asked what motivates her, Nikki doesn’t hesitate: positive thinking. “Negative thoughts will never give you a positive life,” she says. She believes positivity is contagious, and her mantra is simple: Do the best you can with what you have, take it one day at a time, and always pay it forward.