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

How Catholic Charities Helped Kenneth

By Brittany Hoversten • June 17, 2025
When life feels overwhelming, finding the right support can make all the difference. That is exactly what happened for Kenneth, a 30-year-old father who found himself facing several impossible choices. With overdue bills, rent payments, and the pressure of providing for his children, Kenneth was struggling to keep his family afloat. On top of that, he needed his children’s birth certificates to register them for Catholic Charities' Toys for Tots program, so they could have presents for Christmas.  Though Kenneth had never used the Food Shelf before, he was introduced to our services by a Financial Assistance Program Coordinator, who showed him how utilizing the Food Shelf could ease some of the financial strain. The ability to save money on groceries would allow him to prioritize other needs, like utilities and rent. Our Financial Assistance program assisted Kenneth with obtaining his children's birth certificates and provided him with a cart full of groceries for his family. Additionally, we provided Kenneth with a list of community resources to help him continue moving forward. This assistance gave Kenneth and his family a renewed sense of hope. With a little help from our team, Kenneth felt a weight lift as he began to “dig out” of his financial struggles. The ability to provide his children with meals, secure the birth certificates needed for their Christmas gifts, and access other helpful resources helped him regain some stability during a tough time. Kenneth’s story is a powerful reminder that our work extends far beyond providing food. It is about offering hope, relief, and the tools needed to help individuals and families navigate challenges. Whether it is a grocery cart full of food, helping with essential paperwork, or connecting people to the broader network of resources, every bit of support contributes to making our neighbors’ lives better. We are honored to provide this kind of support to families like Kenneth’s. It is the generosity of our community that allows us to continue serving those who need it most. Whether through food donations, financial gifts, or volunteer time, the contributions we receive leave a lasting impact on our neighbors' lives.

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Bryce's Pumpkins

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.