Hunger knows no boundaries, has no age limits and it never takes a vacation! City or suburb, one in ten Minnesota families will go hungry tonight. More than 30 years ago, members of an Elk River ministerial association saw the need and established COMMUNITY AID ELK RIVER, often referred to simply as CAER or CAER Food Shelf, to assist people in the community who might need help with food and other basic necessities. Today, local churches, schools, youth groups, civic organizations, businesses and individuals are still joining hands in that effort.

CAER provides food and referrals or limited financial support for basic necessities to the residents of Elk River, Otsego and most of Zimmerman. Although not eligible for food, residents of Big Lake, Becker and Princeton can come to CAER for clothing and limited financial assistance.

CAER Programs

Currently, CAER offers the following programs:

• Monthly Food Assistance, including holiday meals

• Clothing

• Emergency Financial Assistance for shelter and utilities

• Children’s Programs: KIDZ KITZ (a supplemental summer food package), School Supplies (August), and Gifts Anonymous— a holiday toy collection and distribution program

• CAR CAER, assistance with minor car repairs or tires

Eligibility Requirements

To receive assistance from CAER, you must live within our service area and provide proof of residence—a postmarked item with name and address, dated within the past 30 days. Emergency financial assistance requires all applicants to first seek help through Sherburne or Wright County Health and Human Services.

Recent News & Upcoming Events

• SUMMER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – PACK KIDZ KITZ! Come help pack Kidz Kitz, CAER’s Summer Supplemental Food Package for families with school-aged children.   Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult.  Volunteer one time or many times, we’re flexible and it only takes an hour to two!  Perfect for youth groups, service hours and as a family volunteer more »The post SUMMER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – PACK KIDZ KITZ! appeared first on Caer Food Shelf.
• EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED! Hey everyone!  We have extended early bird registration for the CAER 6th Annual Classic Golf Tournament.  Register by midnight on Friday, May 31 and save $10.00!  Hope you’ll join us for a great timeThe post EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED! appeared first on Caer Food Shelf.
• May 2013 CAER Newsletter Find out all the 2012 facts about how you make a difference.  For example, did you know….. CAER served 1,828 house-holds with 10,585 visits. 696 children received holiday gifts through Gifts Anony-mous; 631 children received school supplies; and 909 children benefited from Kidz Kitz. CAER distributed 757,168 pounds of food in 2012, nearly double the more »The post May 2013 CAER Newsletter appeared first on Caer Food Shelf.
• CAN YOU HELP? This week CAER needs paper products, especially paper towels and Kleenex.  Other immediate needs include cooking oil, deodorant, conditioner and shaving cream.  Add a couple of these products to your weekly shopping list and you’ll be helping your neighbors more than you know!  Thanks for your continued support of CAER!The post CAN YOU HELP? appeared first on Caer Food Shelf.
• HYGIENE ITEMS NEEDED NOW! CAER really needs hygiene items this week.  Please bring in shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and shaving cream!  Next time you visit the personal care aisle of your favorite grocery store, think of CAER won’t you??  Thank you for all that you do to support CAER.The post HYGIENE ITEMS NEEDED NOW! appeared first on Caer Food Shelf.

 

Get ALL the latest news & even more info about upcoming events on CAER’s blog!