PACK THE PORCHES RESULTS

March 23, 2018

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

Pack the Porches raises $13,000, nearly 4,000 lbs, + 10,000 lbs from Coborn’s.

March Campaign isn’t over yet.

The porches of Pioneer Place on Fifth Theatre, St. Cloud Hyundai and HealthPartners Clinics are quiet this afternoon, after hosting the eighth annual Pack the Porches Food Drive this morning.

More than $13,000 was raised, and nearly 4,000 lbs of food were donated in the effort.

“We are pleased with the results,” said Steve Pareja, Executive Director of Catholic Charities. “With the buying power offered to us by our purchasing partners, we will be able to purchase nearly $40,000 worth of groceries with the money collected today. The food collected will provide a variety of foods for our clients to choose from. This really fulfills our mission of treating all with dignity and respect.”

In addition to the food and funds collected, Coborn’s will be delivering on their pledge to match donations with 10,000 pounds of food.

While Pack the Porches is over, the March Campaign of Minnesota FoodShare continues through April 8.

Donations to Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf can be made online at www.ccstcloud.org or by dropping off food or funds at Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. Donations are accepted from 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

March is a time when the donations you make to Minnesota food shelves pack an even more powerful punch than usual in the fight against hunger.

The month of March has typically been a rather lean one for Minnesota food shelves. So, Minnesota FoodShare, an interfaith collaboration fighting hunger, created their March Campaign. The group gathers donations from corporations to use as incentive funds for Minnesota food shelves. The more food and donations collected at local events like Pack the Porches, the more incentive funds we receive, resulting in more food for hungry families.

Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf serves the communities of St. Cloud, St. Augusta, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park and Sartell.

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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.

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PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000