Why Should You Vote?

September 15, 2020

 Today, most Americans over the age of 18 are qualified to vote. Unfortunately, of those qualified to vote, on average only sixty percent of individuals actually do. Voting is one of the key freedoms of being an American. Many people in countries around the world do not have the right to vote, nor did many Americans in decades past. This year celebrates one hundred years since women gained the right to vote. And it wasn’t until 1965 that the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, prohibiting discriminatory practices against African Americans at the polls. That was only fifty five years ago.

 People have died defending the right to vote. So, if so many people fought to have their voices heard and the ability to vote, why do we see such low voter turnout? Simply put, people believe that their voice doesn’t matter. I often hear people say, “It doesn’t pay, it’s not like my one vote is going to really count.” And if you have ever had that thought, I urge you to consider the presidential election of 2000. That year, Al Gore narrowly lost to George W. Bush. The election came down to a recount in Florida. When all was said and done, Bush won by only 537 votes. If 600 more Al Gore supporters would have went to the polls we would have had an entirely different president. You can truly make a difference. Your vote matters! By voting you are playing a role in choosing our leaders and ultimately changing our laws.

 When you vote, you get the opportunity to stand up for the issues that you care about. It’s up to you to choose a candidate who you feel can help your community, state, and even the nation for the greater good. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the decision for you. Exercising your right to vote is the only way to ensure that your voice is being heard. Do your homework and research the candidates and issues in your area. Read up on political issues and figure out where you stand. If you’re feeling inspired to do more, write letters to public officials and let them know what is important to you. Or, it can be as simple as having respectful dialogue with others in your community. At the end of the day, no matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights.

 Need information on how to register to vote? Visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/ for more information on how and where to vote in your area.

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Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge

By Brittany Hoversten • July 1, 2025
Summer should be a time of fun and freedom — but for many families in Central Minnesota, it’s a time of deep uncertainty. Without school meal programs and with rising grocery prices, far too many of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf is once again participating in the Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge — and we need your help! What Is the Summer Challenge? Every July, food shelves across Minnesota take part in the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge — a statewide fundraising effort where donations are matched through grant funding. That means every dollar you give to our food shelf during the month of July helps us qualify for a matching grant of up to $4,000. It’s a powerful way to double your impact and ensure we can continue meeting the growing need in our community. The Need Has Never Been Greater Food insecurity remains heartbreakingly common in our state. According to a 2024 statewide hunger study, 1 in 5 households in Minnesota are food insecure. Here at Catholic Charities, we’ve seen that need firsthand. Our food shelf has seen a dramatic rise in the number of shoppers — including many families who have never needed help before. The cost of food is higher than ever, and families are forced to make tough decisions between buying groceries and paying for rent, gas, or medications. What We’re Doing At Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, we offer more than just food — we offer choice, dignity, and hope. Our shoppers are able to select the food that fits their family’s dietary, cultural, and health needs. We provide a respectful, welcoming experience and access to nutritious foods, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy. In 2024, we distributed over 2.7 million pounds of food through our food shelf, mobile outreach, and emergency food bag programs — but we can’t do it alone. How You Can Help This July, your support means more than ever. Every donation made to our food shelf during the Summer Challenge will be matched through the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge, stretching your gift further to help feed families in Central Minnesota. ➡️ Donate Today: Click here to give now Thank you for being part of this mission of compassion and community. Want to learn more about our Food Shelf and other food programs? Visit ccstcloud.org/food-services To learn more about the statewide Summer Challenge, visit oyh.org/summer-challenge

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By Brittany Hoversten • June 17, 2025
When life feels overwhelming, finding the right support can make all the difference. That is exactly what happened for Kenneth, a 30-year-old father who found himself facing several impossible choices. With overdue bills, rent payments, and the pressure of providing for his children, Kenneth was struggling to keep his family afloat. On top of that, he needed his children’s birth certificates to register them for Catholic Charities' Toys for Tots program, so they could have presents for Christmas.  Though Kenneth had never used the Food Shelf before, he was introduced to our services by a Financial Assistance Program Coordinator, who showed him how utilizing the Food Shelf could ease some of the financial strain. The ability to save money on groceries would allow him to prioritize other needs, like utilities and rent. Our Financial Assistance program assisted Kenneth with obtaining his children's birth certificates and provided him with a cart full of groceries for his family. Additionally, we provided Kenneth with a list of community resources to help him continue moving forward. This assistance gave Kenneth and his family a renewed sense of hope. With a little help from our team, Kenneth felt a weight lift as he began to “dig out” of his financial struggles. The ability to provide his children with meals, secure the birth certificates needed for their Christmas gifts, and access other helpful resources helped him regain some stability during a tough time. Kenneth’s story is a powerful reminder that our work extends far beyond providing food. It is about offering hope, relief, and the tools needed to help individuals and families navigate challenges. Whether it is a grocery cart full of food, helping with essential paperwork, or connecting people to the broader network of resources, every bit of support contributes to making our neighbors’ lives better. We are honored to provide this kind of support to families like Kenneth’s. It is the generosity of our community that allows us to continue serving those who need it most. Whether through food donations, financial gifts, or volunteer time, the contributions we receive leave a lasting impact on our neighbors' lives.