Pack the Porches 2024

March 22, 2024

PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER

4,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,900!

Catholic Charities' 14th annual Pack the Porches food and fund drive, benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, received 4,108 pounds of food and $21,974 in donated funds during the six-hour event from 7 am to 1 pm. Coborn’s matched all food and fund donations up to $13,000.

 

Pack the Porches curbside drop-off locations were located at Pioneer Place on Fifth, St. Cloud and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, Sartell. Catholic Charities Emergency Services also received food donations, and funds were received online through Catholic Charities website at ccstcloud.org. The St. Cloud Hyundai location was under construction during this year's Pack the Porches and will join Catholic Charities again next year for Pack the Porches 2025.

 

Several businesses across the St. Cloud area also hosted Pack the Porches food and fund drives, leading up to today’s event, with some continuing throughout the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which ends April 6.

 

“Increasing costs continue to create challenges and food insecurities right here in our communities,” said Renae Sternke, Acting Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. “In 2023, our Emergency Services Food Shelf distributed more than 2,000,000 pounds of food and we anticipate the need to increase this year. Catholic Charities remains grateful for our community’s unwavering support as families struggle to put food on their tables. Together, we can ensure that no family has to choose between food and other basic essentials.”


Thank you to all those who supported Pack the Porches food and fund drive and Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf!


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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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