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.

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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!


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By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
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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.
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 ๐Ÿ“ Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) ๐Ÿ•˜ Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm ๐Ÿ”” 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.