St. Cloud Family Spreads Holiday Joy to Children at Anna Marie’s Alliance

(KNSI) — A family is helping bring a happy holiday to children at a St. Cloud women’s shelter.

Pam and Ryan Bjerke took their twin daughters shopping at the mall to buy gifts for kids staying at Anna Marie’s Alliance. The five-year-olds picked out presents they would love, including Barbies, jewelry, stuffed animals, and other toys.

The shelter will then pass out those gifts during the holiday season so the kids there can “share in the same fun activities that many of us have the privilege of sharing with our family members,” according to Pam, who is also a survivor of domestic violence.

Her relationship lasted a decade, and she said it was difficult for her to leave and start a new life, but she credited Anna Marie’s Alliance with her fresh start after discovering it when she moved to St. Cloud. Pam is now a volunteer there. “It was my way to give back to the community and really support women who are going through that transitional process. Because women aren’t looking for a handout, it’s really about a hand up.”

Pam calls the shelter an incredible organization that works to prevent domestic violence from occurring and supports women who are trying to take control of their lives. She serves on the nonprofit’s board and heads the capital campaign.

Anna Marie’s Alliance is raising money to renovate and turn the 36-unit dorm-style housing into apartments. Thanks to a generous gift, up to $250,000 in donations will be doubled until December 31st. For more on the fundraiser, click here.

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