Jolly Trolley Food Drive has Best Year Ever!

December 23, 2022

The Metro Bus Jolly Trolley set new highs for donations of food and cash this year! 

Due to the generosity of the people who donated at the three Jolly Trolley stops and large donations from several partners, the Jolly Trolley was a smashing success in 2022!

 

9,820 pounds of food and $4,164.80 was collected and distributed to Catholic Charities Emergency Services, Promise Neighborhood of Central MN and St. Cloud Area Salvation Army!

 

These amounts are the most the Jolly Trolley has ever collected in a single year! Over the last 12 years, the Jolly Trolley Food Drive has distributed a total of 55,040 pounds of food and $29,458.12.

 

Thank you to Metro Bus for supporting Catholic Charities and thank you to all those whose contributions helped those most in need in our community, especially the volunteers who helped staff the Jolly Trolley locations each night, load the buses with food, and deliver the donations that helped stock the shelves just in time for the holidays.

 

Catholic Charities Emergency Services, a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, works to provide food, basic everyday essentials, and financial assistance to those in need in our community. The mission of Catholic Charities is to serve and enhance human dignity for people of all faiths and beliefs. Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more at ccstcloud.org.

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