CAER is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization, located in Elk River MN and serving Elk River, Otsego and Zimmerman families in need of emergency food assistance. CAER was founded in 1979 as a vision of the local ministerial association. Churches, schools, youth groups, civic organizations and businesses have joined hands in a wonderful community effort to help those in need. The CAER food shelf is managed by dedicated staff members and a volunteer Board of Directors.
Mission Statement: CAER provides food and referrals or limited finanical support for basic neccessities to people in our community.
Vision Statement: Hunger is no longer a barrier to the health and well-being of people in our community.
Core Values:
CAER has its foundation in Christian outreach and maintains a strong partnership with faith based organizations.
CAER strives to build collaborative relationships with individuals, businesses, civic organizations and other non-profits in order to better serve our clients and our community.
CAER practices good stewardship of food and financial resources to ensure the greatest benefit.
CAER provides a welcoming environment that respects the dignity of all people.
CAER promotes volunteerism at every level of the organization.
CAER employees, directors, and volunteers consider it a privilege to serve our clients and our community.
CAER - 2010 Annual Report
Get all the facts and figures for CAER's work in 2010. You'll find interesting tidbits including: "In 2010, CAER distributed almost 590,000 lbs of food. Pounds of food may be a number that is hard to wrap your head around, but consider this, our distributed food is valued at $1.70 / lb . This is equal to $1,003,000."
Download the full report by clicking the PDF document to the right.
Stay connected with CAER! Get the latest news, information about upcoming events, and notes from CAER's director, Jenny, by subscribing to the CAER Connections Newsletter. Look for it quarterly as we attempt to keep everyone apprised of what is going on at CAER. To download the current newsletter, simply click the PDF document to the right.
Lake Orono Shiver Plunge - February 25, 2012 Brrrr! Take a dip in Lake Orono and benefit your favorite charity
Check in and plunge schedule TBD.
Want to take the plunge to benefit CAER? Register to be a Shiver Plunge plunger, sign up to take the dip (it costs $25 to sign up), and then collect pledges for CAER. Note that 90% of the funds raised will be given to the charity designated. Each Plunger must raise at least $100 in pledges. If you are pledging a Plunger, Thank You!!! Contact the Chamber of Commerce and they will add your pledge to any non-profit you choose or a specific plunger.
FOR DONATIONS
CAER gladly accepts donations of food, products & seasonal clothing during our business hours:
M-W-F 10 a.m.-3 p.m. M & Th night 6-8 p.m.
Just ring the doorbell near the garage door & someone will help you.
Please limit clothing donations to 3 bags of seasonal items.
**Urgent means that the food shelf is very low or out of stock on these items. We are currently unable to purchase the items so without donations, families will not receive them.
We accept any unopened, current-dated, non-perishable food items. Please check with staff if you have perishable donations.
CAER is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. All contributions are tax deductible (as allowed by law).
