Rally for Good: A Call to Action for Central Minnesota

November 4, 2025

THE NEED IS URGENT.

This winter, Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is issuing a heartfelt plea to our community: we need your help—now more than ever.

With SNAP benefits suspended due to the federal government shutdown, the holiday season approaching, and temperatures dropping fast, families across our region are facing impossible choices. Do they buy groceries or winter boots? Pay rent or get toys for their children? These are decisions no one should have to make.

At Catholic Charities, our Emergency Services program is seeing unprecedented demand. Shelves are emptying faster than we can fill them. The need for food, winter gear, hygiene items, and toys is urgent and growing by the day.

That’s why we’re launching Rally for Good this November—a community-wide movement born from an internal campaign that inspired us to take action beyond our walls. We’re inviting everyone in Central Minnesota to rally with us and ensure that no one goes without this season.

Right now, these donations are lifelines. And right now, those lifelines are stretched thin.

We believe in the power of community. We believe that when we come together, we can make sure every neighbor is fed, warm, and cared for. We believe that your generosity today can impact generations to come. This is more than a donation drive. It’s a movement to show what Central Minnesota is made of.

Let’s rally for the single parent trying to make ends meet. For the senior choosing between medication and heat. For the child who deserves to wear a warm coat while waiting for the school bus. Let’s rally for good.

Want to get involved? Here’s how to help.

ccstcloud.org/rally-for-good

HERE'S HOW TO HELP

Our Recent News

By Jenna Pettit March 27, 2026
Catholic Charities is thrilled to announce the success of our 16th Annual Pack the Porches Food and Fund Drive, held on March 27th, 2026.
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.
By Brittany Hoversten January 15, 2026
When Mary reached out to FHC, she was overwhelmed and worried about losing her home. A devoted wife and mother with a strong career, she never expected that sudden health issues would reduce her income and cause her to fall behind on her mortgage. Missing several payments left her feeling vulnerable and unsure of where to turn. Once her health improved and she returned to full-time work, Mary was determined to regain control of her finances. She partnered with a housing counselor who helped her take a clear look at her household budget, identify areas to reduce expenses, and create a realistic plan to address her debt. During the process, Mary shared heartfelt gratitude with her counselor: “I can’t thank you enough for being my voice when I couldn’t advocate for myself and not judging me for my mishaps. I’m thankful Catholic Charities is part of our community and is a blessing for many.” With renewed confidence, Mary contacted her mortgage company to explore available workout options. Because her illness qualified as a hardship, she was eligible for a partial claim. This option allowed her to resume regular mortgage payments while moving the past-due balance to the end of her loan—giving her the breathing room she needed. Today, Mary feels empowered and more intentional about managing her household finances. She has also brought her husband into the budgeting process, realizing she doesn’t have to shoulder everything alone. This experience has strengthened her confidence and set her family on a path toward long-term financial stability.