Jolly Trolley Food Drive Returns December 13-15

December 12, 2022

The Jolly Trolley Food Drive is back on the road for 2022! 

Metro Bus, along with its partners, encourage members of the community to donate cash and/or nonperishable food items December 13-15. The Jolly Trolley will be at Coborn’s in Sauk Rapids, Lunds & Byerlys, and Coborn’s on Cooper in St. Cloud, respectively, from 3-6pm each afternoon.


Jolly Trolley donations will go to area food shelves including Catholic Charities Emergency Services, Promise Neighborhood of Central MN and the St. Cloud Salvation Army. Cash donations are encouraged since food shelves can purchase up to five times as much food with each dollar as retail customers.


“The Jolly Trolley is a way for Metro Bus, as well as our partners, to give back to the community that has supported us for decades,” said Ryan Daniel, CEO of Metro Bus. “We care about our community and those who use our services. The food drive is a great way to support our neighbors who are in need.”


The Jolly Trolley first rolled out in 2011 and has collected over 45,000 pounds of food and $25,000 dollars over the past 12 years.


Additionally, all monetary donations made in December to Catholic Charities, St. Cloud Salvation Army and St. Joseph Community Food Shelf will be matched through the Stearns Bank Community Challenge, up to $100,000! Donations for the Stearns Bank Community Challenge need to be received by December 31, 2022.


Contributions should be sent directly to any of the eligible food shelves listed above to the attention of the “Stearns Bank Community Challenge.” 

Donate to Catholic Charities

Our Recent News

April 23, 2025
A Journey of Hope and Resilience
By Brittany Hoversten April 14, 2025
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.
March 28, 2025
PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000