Get Involved
You can make a difference in our community. CAER exists because of the compassion and commitment of people like you. Whether you give your time, donate, or help spread the word, every action you take benefits food shelf programs and helps ensure no one in our community faces hunger or hardship alone.
How You Can Help
Every month, CAER provides food and other items to more than 750 households in and around Elk River. With your help, we can continue to provide the programs and support that so many individuals and families in our community count on when they need it most.
Donate Items
Your generosity keeps our shelves stocked. You can donate non-perishable food, hygiene items, or other essentials. Every contribution matters.
Monetary Donations
Financial gifts allow us to purchase food in bulk, provide emergency assistance, and quickly respond to urgent needs. Our connections to food banks and discount food distributors allow us to stretch every $1 donated into 3 meals worth of food.
Volunteer Your Time
From greeting clients to sorting donations, volunteers are the heart of CAER. We offer a variety of flexible opportunities for those who want to lend a hand. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, your time makes a meaningful impact.
Host a Food Drive
Bring your workplace, church, school, or neighborhood together to support local families. Hosting a food or essentials drive is a great way to raise awareness and collect high-demand items for the food shelf. We’ll provide the tools and tips to make it easy and fun.
Join an Event
From family-friendly races to golf tournaments and giving campaigns, our events are a great way to connect with the community and support CAER’s mission. Come and participate, volunteer, or sponsor. We’d love for you to get involved.
Ready to take the next step? Your support makes hope possible.
Download Printable Shopping Lists
Donation Hours
To drop off items, please go to the door at the back of the building and ring the bell.
Donation and Office Hours
Door C (Back of the Building)
Monday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Thursday 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
For monetary donations, please make checks payable to CAER Food Shelf and mail to or bring to the address below. You can also donate online.
CAER Food Shelf
12621 Elk Lake Road
Elk River, MN 55330
Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to get involved with any of CAER’s programs or services but have questions, we have answers. Here are some of the questions we are asked most often.
What types of items can I donate?
- Non-perishable food
- Hygiene and menstrual products
- Diapers
- Household goods
- Fresh garden produce (seasonal)
- Books for children and adults
- Winter coats, gloves, snow pants, and boots (October–February)
- New school supplies (July–August)
Are there any items that CAER cannot accept?
- Perishable food items
- Fresh/frozen meats, such as turkeys
- Venison or other fresh game. Hunters who would like to safely donate fresh game can find information for doing so on the MDA website.
- Furniture, household items, etc.
- Clothing
- Non-perishable food products that are more than a year beyond their best-by date
Can anyone volunteer with CAER?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and preferably able to commit to 2–4 volunteer shifts each month.
When can I drop off my donation?
To drop off items, please go to the door at the back of the building and ring the bell. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 763-441-1020.
Donation Hours
Monday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Thursday 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
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