Volunteer Voice Fall 2019

November 20, 2019

FALL 2019

Ang Nelson • Volunteer Coordinator • Angela.Nelson@ccstcloud.org • 320.229.4590

Catholic Charities Senior Dining has been providing services in the St. Cloud area since 1965. Meals on Wheels, a program of Catholic Charities, provides a hot meal five days a week for persons who are homebound or in need of rehabilitation time while receiving cancer treatments, or following surgery, injury or illness.

Senior Dining ensures that any senior 60 or better has access to a daily meal regardless of their ability or willingness to pay. To do this we depend on volunteers who help with the distribution of meals within the program. Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to the homes of seniors who are homebound; not only do they provide a daily hot, nutritious meal, but also an informal safety check to make sure the person is physically able to come to the door. For some, this volunteer may be the only person a senior sees that day. That brief interaction helps to combat isolation and loneliness. Volunteer drivers play a critical role in the program and the lives of seniors!

Donald “Buzz” Buzzell has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for more than 10 years, volunteering two days a week. Buzz signed up to be a volunteer with Catholic Charities because he had the time available and he loves interacting with others. He encourages others to volunteer because he has found that it is a great opportunity to socialize with the Meals on Wheels recipients and with other drivers. He has made many new friends and met some interesting people while delivering meals. Not only has volunteering with Meals on Wheels enriched Buzz’s life, but there have been countless seniors over the years who attribute the Meals on Wheels experience to a better quality of life. None of this would be possible without volunteers like Buzz!

Meals on Wheels has an ongoing need for volunteer drivers in many of our communities. We also have an ongoing need for volunteers to help with meal service at our congregate dining sites. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to provide the kind of service and personal touch we take pride in.

New to our program is the opportunity to volunteer for food pick up at local Kwik Trip locations and delivery to our dining locations. Kwik Trip’s excess inventory is donated to the program and used in the preparation of meals. On Tuesdays and Fridays we have a need for individuals to pick up food items between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at multiple Kwik Trip locations. The donated food is then delivered to our Roosevelt Road location to be further distributed throughout Senior Dining communities.

If you have an interest in volunteering with Senior Dining, please visit the Catholic Charities website at ccstcloud.org and click on the Volunteer tab to sign up. The seniors in our community are counting on you!

LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY?

Check out our current volunteer needs at ccstcloud.org/volunteer

Volunteer Voice is a publication for volunteers of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud

Our Recent News

More than Just a Meal

By Brittany Hoversten • December 9, 2025
Our Senior Dining programs offer more than just a meal – they provide a nurturing environment that fosters friendships, healing, and a sense of belonging. Roberta, a Senior Dining Coordinator for 15 years, has witnessed the powerful impact of our services at the Grasston and Mora locations. Among the many events that have touched her heart, one couple’s journey stands out as a beautiful testament to the healing power of community. A woman who had recently suffered a stroke, faced significant challenges. Most of her right side, including her vision, was affected, and she was determined to regain her independence. After her therapy sessions, she and her husband would come to Senior Dining, where they found not only a meal but a circle of support and care. Every visit, a group of women diners would greet them with warm smiles, helping with her jacket and guiding the couple to their table. These kind-hearted women went beyond mere kindness – they helped the woman with her meal and made sure she was comfortable and well-cared for throughout the dining experience. Over time, the woman’s strength and independence began to improve. The therapy sessions, combined with the unwavering support of her new friends at Senior Dining, made a significant difference in her recovery. The bonds formed in that dining hall grew stronger, evolving into genuine friendships that transcended just shared meals. What had started as a place for nourishment soon became a sanctuary of laughter, conversation, and companionship. It was clear that the true nourishment was not just the food – it was the emotional and social support the diners received, creating an atmosphere that was as healing as it was comforting. The couple still maintains their deep friendships with the group of women they met at Senior Dining. Even in their 80s and 90s, they continue to get together three or four times a year, reminiscing about the meals that sustained them, the friendships that uplifted them, and the kindness that made all the difference. For Roberta, this story is a reminder of the true essence of her work. It’s not just about coordinating meals – it’s about creating a community where people care for one another, lifting each other up in times of need. 

Catholic Charities Barnes & Noble Bookfair – December 12, 2025

By Brittany Hoversten • December 8, 2025
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting a great cause! Catholic Charities is partnering with Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud for a Bookfair on Thursday, December 12, 2025 . A percentage of your purchase will benefit Catholic Charities’ programs—just mention you're shopping to support Catholic Charities at checkout! Shop in-store or online: In-store: Visit Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud on December 12 and let the cashier know you're supporting Catholic Charities. Online: Shop at https://www.bn.com/bookfairs from December 12–16, 2025 and enter Bookfair ID 12695763 at checkout. How to apply the Bookfair ID online: Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. Scroll to the bottom of the checkout page. Click the plus sign next to “Add Bookfair ID.” Enter 12695763 and click Apply . Everything counts! Books, DVDs, music, vinyl, toys & games, and even Café purchases (except Starbucks-operated locations). Stock up for the holidays and help support Catholic Charities’ vital services in our community. Note: Gift cards, memberships, textbooks, video games, digital content (eBooks), and purchases at Starbucks-owned Cafés are excluded from Bookfair totals. Institutional discounts may not be applied.

A Family's Fight to Stay Home

By Brittany Hoversten • November 12, 2025
Allie and Ben’s dream of owning their first home came under threat when Ben unexpectedly lost his job. With two young children at home, Allie balanced evening classes while Ben had a steady income. However, when Ben lost his job, he struggled to make mortgage payments and, feeling overwhelmed, kept the issue hidden from Allie until it was too late. The arrival of a “sheriff sale” notice signaled their impending foreclosure. Determined to protect their home and their family, Allie turned to Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling team for help. With guidance from a counselor, Allie learned about the foreclosure process and the potential solutions available to them. Together, they worked closely with the mortgage company, exploring options to address the overdue payments. After persistent efforts, Allie and Ben were able to negotiate a resolution that would prevent foreclosure. Thanks to the support they received, Allie and Ben were able to keep their home, which not only brought them financial stability but also strengthened their bond as a couple. Allie reflected on the importance of teamwork and open communication, acknowledging the valuable lesson they learned through the experience. “I’m so grateful for the support we received,” Allie said. “It taught us that facing challenges together is key to protecting what matters most—our home and our children.” Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program, which has been providing expert guidance since 1982, is available to anyone, regardless of income. As a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-licensed provider, our team is committed to helping families like Allie and Ben navigate financial challenges and build a secure future.