August Volunteer Voice

July 26, 2019

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

A few years ago, Karen Strohschein attended a workshop presented by Catholic Charities on how to incorporate service projects into the curriculum at the school she taught at. Part of that workshop included a tour of Emergency Services. During the tour, something caught Karen’s eye and stuck in the back of her mind –Birthday Bags. When Karen’s family was planning a small gathering this summer, she remembered the Birthday Bags and decided that assembling some would be a great way for her family to spend that time together and give back. This small but mighty group of 17 people, ages ranging from 4 to 68, spent time shopping for items, hand decorating bags, and assembling some pretty lovely birthday parties for children in need. These bags will be kept at Emergency Services for visiting families that have a child with an upcoming birthday. The children in the family helped with the shopping, which provided some very valuable life lessons for these young people; purchasing toys they would very much enjoy for themselves, they instead had to put them in a bag and hand them off to a child they will never know. A true act of kindness and selflessness.

Birthday Bags are just as their name suggests – a birthday in a bag! Each bag includes the “essential” elements of a cake with the trimmings, and a gift. Karen’s family created 17 bags full of joy for young people in our community. Their bags included cake mix, frosting, candles, party plates and napkins, and gifts for boys and girls of all ages. While Karen’s family spent time decorating some pretty great looking bags, traditional gift bags are acceptable as well. Other items to consider including; books, a birthday card with a personal message, and allergy friendly products, e.g. gluten, dairy, and nut free.

A heartfelt thank you to Karen and her family!

“Those who give, should not remember. Those who receive, should never forget.”

OTHER GROUP PROJECT IDEAS

Not everyone is privileged enough to have a place to call home. Being homeless can make it a struggle to fulfill basic needs. Homeless Blessing Bags can be filled with various personal care items and snacks to help ease difficult times for those facing homelessness. Suggested items to include; first aid kit, hand warmers, socks & gloves, tissues, wash cloths & wipes, floss, toothbrush (cover) & toothpaste, bar soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, razor, deodorant, lotion & chap-stick, feminine hygiene items, small non-perishable snacks. One-third of women under 25 have struggled to afford the appropriate hygiene products. You can help make it accessible for EVERYONE with a Period Purse. (Suggestion: Host a Girl’s Night to assemble purses!) Suggested items to include; tampons & pads of various sizes, cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, bottle of pain reliever, panty liners, small purse or toiletry bag.

CURRENT NEEDS

Our Recent News

Catholic Charities Receives Major Donation from CentraCare Foundation to Support Senior Nutrition Programs

By Brittany Hoversten • April 28, 2026
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is celebrating a meaningful boost to its Senior Nutrition efforts thanks to a generous $57,856.54 donation from the CentraCare Foundation. This contribution will support the full spectrum of Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition services — including Meals on Wheels, senior dining, and other nutrition initiatives that help older adults access healthy, reliable meals across central Minnesota. On Thursday, April 23, Catholic Charities President & CEO Aaron Fisk, Food Access Director Stacy Lund, and Senior Nutrition Manager Shannon Nolan gathered to accept the check from CentraCare Foundation. The gift represents a powerful investment in the health, independence, and dignity of seniors throughout the region. “We are grateful to the CentraCare Foundation for this generous donation. This support will have a significant and immediate impact on the older adults we serve,” said Stacy Lund, Food Access Director. “With this contribution, we can strengthen access to nutritious, consistent meals for seniors who face food insecurity. Nutritious food is a critical component of healthy aging, and your support helps us improve meal quality, expand service capacity, and maintain reliable nutrition assistance for seniors striving to remain healthy, independent, and safely in their homes.” Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs — including Meals on Wheels — provide nutritious meals, wellness checks, and social connection to at‑risk, homebound, ill, and vulnerable adults age 60 and older. For many seniors, especially those living alone or managing chronic health conditions, these daily visits and meal services are a lifeline. CentraCare Foundation’s mission centers on improving community health and well‑being. Their investment in Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition reflects a shared commitment to ensuring older adults have access to the nutrition and support they need to remain healthy and independent at home. This donation will help Catholic Charities continue expanding its reach, improving meal quality, and ensuring that no senior in need goes without a nutritious meal. To learn more about Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs or to inquire about services for yourself or a loved one, visit ccstcloud.org .

Pack the Porches 2026

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.

Meet Nicole from Emergency Services

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.