Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities Available At Catholic Charities

(KNSI) – Central Minnesota has answered the call for volunteers put out recently by Catholic Charities for its Share the Spirit program.

Coordinator Annie Henriksen says the greater need at the moment is for sponsors themselves. Henriksen suggests going into the endeavor as a group to lighten your financial burden.

“It can be a group of coworkers. It can be a family. It can just be a bunch of friends coming out and buying gifts for a family in need within the community. This could be a family that you’re supporting. It could be a senior couple that doesn’t have any local family around. You’re buying gifts to give them a special holiday season.”

You will get a list of wants and needs once you’ve registered for each member of the family you are helping. Catholic Charities recommends you plan on spending between $70 and $75 per person. For more information, visit here.

Henriksen says actual volunteer opportunities exist within the Toys for Tots program, particularly helping families shop for the kids and loading cars once they’re done. Henriksen says Meals on Wheels is another program where there is a shortage.

“We reach outside the St Cloud area and we desperately need more drivers to drive out meals to seniors and drop them off. Especially this time of year, we’re seeing an increase in seniors needing to use our services.”

Catholic Charities is always collecting donations for its food shelf, among other local programs.

___