The CAER Food Shelf depends on the generosity of individuals in the community, like you, to provide items for people in need. Since 1979, CAER has helped thousands of people. More than half of those helped were children.
Due to the economic downturn, CAER is experiencing an unprecedented need for food and assistance. There is an average of 78 more visits per month in 2008 compared to 2007. To continue providing essential services to our clients and your neighbors that may be struggling, your help is needed! The shelves at CAER are alarmingly low. We are running out of many basic food items and these are often not available through the food bank (Second Harvest) at this time either, as the demand state wide is so high. Your donations of food and cash are critical in allowing CAER to continue to provide service and we thank you for your support!!
Make A Financial Donation
Financial donations are the most effective way to donate to CAER because we are able to purchase food directly from the Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank at DEEP discounts. For example, we are able to get a gallon of milk for $.85, a dozen eggs for $.28, spaghetti sauce for $.36 a jar, canned corn for just $.13
In addition to procuring food, your finanical donations will assist in covering overhead costs, purchasing other goods not available through the food bank, providing client financial assistance, and assisting in expanding our services.
CAER is currently registered as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization in the United States and donations are tax deductible for those that file taxes with the United States IRS. Should you have questions about donating to CAER, please contact us. We mail receipts to donors quarterly.
Donations via Check or Cash You can deliver your donation directly to CAER during our service hours or mail your donation to: CAER Food Shelf 19279 Watson St. NW Elk River, MN 55330
Donate Online
Donate Food or Other Goods
FOOD DONATIONS We accept all non-perishable food items in unopened containers. The great thing about direct food donations is that they are available for direct distribution to our clients. We are always running short on the following items: Jello Gelatin, Pudding, French-style Green Beans and other canned vegetables, Regular & Instant Rice, Saltine Crackers, Coffee and Juice.
Click here for more food donation suggestions or to fill a grocery bag for a hungry family!
NON-FOOD GOODS We are ALWAYS in need of non-food items and personal hygiene products such as paper towels, toilet paper, feminine products, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, deodorant, Kleenex, etc. We cannot purchase these items at deep discounts through Second Harvest so we depend solely on donations for distribution to our clients.
CLOTHING & HOUSEHOLD GOODS We glady accept gently used clothing that is washed and 'in-style'. We do not have storage space so we can only accept clothing when it is in season (e.g. coats-sweaters in winter). Because of the storage issue, we can accept some furniture, but if you let us know about household furniture that you have available, we can make matches to our clients for direct delivery to their home. Please contact us for more information.
*CAER reserves the right to refuse donations at any time should supply exceed demand.
Volunteer at CAER
Volunteers are truly the backbone of our organization. We are always in need of volunteers to assist with food distribution, with the sorting and organization of donations such as food, and with other special projects throughout the year. During food drives our volunteer needs increase dramatically.
Volunteers make all the difference to our neighbors in need! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact CAER. Thanks!
Have Extra Garden Produce?
Is your garden overflowing with veggies & fruits? Don't let your extras go to waste! Consider donating your excess fresh produce to the food shelf for distribution to the needy in our community. We recommend dropping produce donations early in the week so we can get it distributed before it deteriorates or spoils. If you have a great recipe incorporating your produce, give us that too and we'll pass it along to our clients!
As you are planning and planting your gardens and crops this year, please consider “planting a row for CAER”! Last year many of you donated your fresh fruits and vegetables to the CAER Foodshelf and we are hoping for that response again this year. The families that come to the foodshelf in need of help with food are very grateful to receive fresh, wholesome, produce- home grown by their own neighbors who care. Whether you plant an extra plant, an extra row, or donate your surplus, your donations are a precious commodity to many adults and children who must rely on CAER for help in putting food on the table. Thank you for your generosity.
Hold A Food Drive
Another great way to get involved in the fight against hunger is to organize a food drive. This is particularly effective if you belong to a group where you can get a majority of the members to participate. When deciding on what type of food drive to hold, be sure to consider the make-up of your group, its size, and the interests of your members. They will likely be more proactive if you are collecting something that is of interest to them.
