April was Volunteer Appreciation Month | |
THANK YOU, FiN VOLUNTEERS!
April was Volunteer Appreciation Month, and at Friends in Need (FiN), we wholeheartedly recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers. Each week, over 125 committed individuals generously share their time and talents, ensuring that our operations run seamlessly and clients feel welcomed and supported. We are grateful for their unwavering support and commitment, as they are vital partners in our mission to combat food insecurity. Their dedication to our mission demonstrates that each moment spent volunteering makes a tangible difference in the lives of others.
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At FiN, we appreciate the efforts of our volunteers year round, and our volunteers appreciate each other. Watch the video from Twin Cities Live on KSTP Channel 5 to see how one volunteer celebrated the contributions of another as they work together to fulfill our mission of ending hunger in our communities!
https://kstp.com/tcl/twin-cities-live-sponsored/with-you-every-step-crystal/
| | Dining to Make A Difference! | | Top Five Most Needed Items | | |
Donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries are always welcome. Here are the top five items needed at this time.
- Toilet Paper/Paper Towels
- Quart and Gallon sized Ziploc Bags
- Canned Soup
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Adult Incontinence Products
If delivered outside of business hours, there is a blue barrel in the rear of the building where you can place items. Monetary donations can be made in person or through our website. We also have Wish Lists with Amazon and Walmart. Just click on the buttons below to access.
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Our Donor Tree
Over ten years ago, then Executive Director Michelle Rageth, planted a seed at Friends in Need Food Shelf. Her idea of thanking donors has now blossomed into a beautiful tree covered with multi-colored leaves and spanning multiple walls. In 2025 alone, more than 400 leaves enscribed with donor names were added. We are grateful to all our donors for their generosity and continued support. Donations are recognized on our giving tree as follows:
- Gold Leaf - $100 - $999
- Large Copper Leaf - $1,000 - $4,999
- Small Rock - $5,000 - $9,999
- Large Rock - $10,000+
If you'd like to help us branch out, click on the link below. All individual donations meeting the levels above will be recognized at the end of the year!
| | Don't forget to see if your company matches donations! | | |
During the month of April, FiN:
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Served 1,1,43 Households, for a weekly average of 286 households.
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Experienced a slight increase in average weekly number of households, with numbers ranging from 272 and reaching a peak of 304.
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Provided food and goods to 5,063 individuals, 40% of which were children and 7% were seniors.
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Distributed 89,879 pounds of food, toiletries, and other goods, averaging 22,470 lbs. per week.
With need continuing to increase, we have seen changes in the households we serve:
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Average size of household has increased from 3.8 to 4.6 members since February.
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There has been a 14% increase in the number of households with more than 5 members.
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The total number of households with children increased by 9% since last June.
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The total number of households with seniors increased by 6% since last June.
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Friends in Need has been supporting the community with community support since 1992!
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Serving clients in South Washington County with a focus on Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, Newport, and Grey Cloud Island. However, our clients come from al over the Twin Cities Metro. We turn no eligible person in need away!
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We are 99% volunteer operated, with over 125 individuals donating their time each week in service to the community.
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More than 50% of our operating budget comes from community donations and grants.
| | Friends in Need Food Shelf | Finfood.org | | | | |
