Catholic Charities Emergency Services Responds to COVID-19 Pandemic with Food Relief Bags

March 16, 2020

Catholic Charities Emergency Services, a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, continues to provide access to food to those in need despite the COVID-19 pandemic while protecting community health and safety.

Food relief bags will be available for pickup on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 7 pm and Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm at Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Rd, Suite 100, St. Cloud. Food relief bags will also be available for pickup at Catholic Charities Emergency Services eight mobile sites.

“Now more than ever we are here to help meet the needs of those who are hungry in our community, and are working to provide accessible food in the most efficient and safe way while caring for our neighbors, volunteers, and employees,” said Sue Hanks, Emergency Services program manager.

Food shelves across Minnesota, including Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, have already seen a decrease in financial and food donations from their communities and partners. Catholic Charities is encouraging donors and supporters, as they are able, to continue to give to their local food shelf.

Although local grocery stores may be seeing an increase in demand for food products, Catholic Charities Emergency Services wholesale sources continue to be able to meet purchasing demands. Therefore, financial contributions to Catholic Charities Food Shelf will continue to enable the program in helping meet community needs.

As part of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, Catholic Charities is continuing its 10th annual Pack the Porches Food Drive, benefitting Catholic Charities Food Shelf.

On Friday, March 20, from 7 am to 1 pm, Catholic Charites Food Shelf will accept donations of nonperishable food items and funds at three drop-off locations: Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 5th Ave S, Saint Cloud; HealthPartners, 2251 Connecticut Ave S, Sartell; and St. Cloud Hyundai, 900 2nd St S, Waite Park.

Donations of food and funds delivered in-person will be accepted without the donor having to leave his or her car. Monetary donations can also be made online at ccstcloud.org/donate.

For more information on Catholic Charities Emergency Services hours and locations of services, please call 320-229-4560. For more information on Catholic Charities Pack the Porches Food Drive and for COVID-19 program status updates, visit ccstcloud.org.

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A Day of Joy and Connection at Pond View Estates

By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.

Volunteering at Lincoln Elementary

By Brittany Hoversten • March 5, 2025
At Lincoln Elementary in Little Falls, the pre-K classroom thrives thanks to Miss Maranda and Dorothy, a Foster Grandparent volunteer. Ms. Maranda values having Grandma Dorothy in the room. "It's great to have someone with a fresh perspective who connects with students," she says. Dorothy helps students with academics and brings a caring approach to the youngest learners. Dorothy enjoys her role, finding it both fun and meaningful. "The kids are so much fun, and I'm happy to help with lessons that impact their learning for years," she says. The appreciation between Miss Maranda and Dorothy is mutual. "Dorothy brings positivity, is helpful and kind, and has become an integral part of our classroom team," Miss Maranda shares. Dorothy feels valued, especially when teachers note her impact on students. "When my teacher tells me, 'I can tell which students you've worked with,' it lets me know I’m making a difference," Dorothy says. Their collaboration has led to touching moments, such as a student hugging Dorothy at Walmart. "It shows the lasting connection we’ve made," Dorothy recalls. Miss Maranda echoes this, saying, "We’d gladly welcome another foster grandparent into our program. It’s refreshing to have a grandparent figure who makes a lasting impact on both learning and relationships." Dorothy’s support is important for struggling students. "I love encouraging them to do their best," she says, finding joy in seeing their proud faces when they grasp a concept or complete a project. The partnership between Miss Maranda and Dorothy highlights the impact of volunteers. Dorothy’s positivity, support, and perspective enhance the learning experience and provide invaluable help to teachers, showcasing the mutual benefits of the Foster Grandparent Program.
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