The St. Cloud community made a powerful statement on Friday with its 16th annual Pack the Porches food and fund drive. This year, the event gathered an impressive 6,615 pounds of food and raised $24,665 in just six hours. Local supporters had various ways to contribute, with drop-off points at Pioneer Place on Fifth, St. Cloud Hyundai, and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union. Donations were also welcomed at Catholic Charities Emergency Services and through online platforms.
A big boost came from Coborn’s, which pledged to match all food donations up to $15,000. This initiative aimed not just to fill shelves but to bring together the community.
Eric Vollen, the Emergency Services Program Manager at Catholic Charities, emphasized the significance of the event. He noted that the donations received during March are crucial because they help the organization make the most of every contribution to meet the community’s rising needs. Vollen highlighted that Pack the Porches serves as a vital reminder of the community’s spirit and support.
This year’s efforts align with the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which focuses on addressing hunger issues statewide. The need for food support continues to grow, with recent statistics showing that around 1 in 10 Minnesotans rely on food shelves.
As hunger remains a pressing issue, events like Pack the Porches highlight a community’s capacity for compassion and generosity. Every can and dollar counts towards making a difference in the lives of those in need in the St. Cloud area.
For more on the impact of local food drives, you can refer to the Minnesota FoodShare website.
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