Jolly Trolley Returns!

November 29, 2024

Jolly Trolley Food Drive Returns for 14th Year!

Metro Bus and its partners are excited to announce the dates, times and locations for this year’s Jolly Trolley events! On December 9-12, from 4:30-6:30 PM each day, the Jolly Trolley Food Drive hits the road with stops at Lunds & Byerlys on Monday, Coborn’s – St. Cloud-Cooper on Tuesday, St. Cloud Cash Wise East on Wednesday and Coborn’s – Sauk Rapids on Thursday. Community members are invited to donate cash and non-perishable food items.


Jolly Trolley sponsors include Townsquare Media, Metro Bus, North Central Bus and Equipment and SpartanNash; the grocery stores hosting the drive each night; and contributors Rengel Printing Company and Mustang Signs & Graphics. Donations benefit Catholic Charities Emergency Services, the Promise Neighborhood of Central MN and the St. Cloud Area Salvation Army.


“As part of our mission to serve the communities we proudly belong to, the Jolly Trolley offers a meaningful way to support those in need during the holiday season,” said Metro Bus CEO Ryan Daniel. "We are dedicated to helping put food on the tables of local families and bringing a little extra joy to our neighbors this time of year.”


Cash donations allow food shelves to purchase up to five times as much food with each dollar as retail customers. Food shelves are also able to purchase for specific needs.



Last year the Jolly Trolley collected 12,726 pounds of food and $4,884 for totals of almost 68,000 pounds and over $34,000 over the 13-year history of the Jolly Trolley!


Our Recent News

Make God's Love Visible: Raphael's Story

By Jenna Pettit • October 27, 2025
Raphael's Story: Senior Dining

Help Keep Central MN Warm this Winter!

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.

A New Opportunity for Tyrone

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.