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Greetings!
"Over the past several months, we’ve witnessed our community do something extraordinary. During the uncertainty of the government shutdown and the threat of SNAP benefit interruptions—at a time when many of our neighbors had every reason to worry about their own tables—you showed up with compassion, urgency, and heart.
And then, during Give to the Max, you did it again. You gave generously, boldly, and without hesitation. Because of you, families had groceries when assistance was delayed. Seniors didn’t have to choose between food and medication. Children felt the security of a warm meal and a safe place to rest. Together, you built a safety net strong enough to carry hundreds of our neighbors when the system faltered.
We are humbled by your care for this community and your belief in the work we do together. Thank you for meeting the moment. Thank you for showing what compassion looks like in action. Thank you for reminding us—once again—that Duluth takes care of
its own."
Your kindness made all the difference.
We are grateful beyond measure.
Gracia Swensen, Donor Relations Manager
Pictured Below: 1. Krenzen Auto donation and food drive
2. Chum's food shelf driver, Craig, with a volunteer handing out Thanksgiving boxes
3. Bikers dropping off donations from the Continental Ski + Bike Food Drive Ride
4. Food collected at the 2025 Festival of Trees
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A Note from the Executive Director
"I am so proud of the staff of Chum and their incredible dedication to serving those in greatest need in our community. The work at times is quite challenging and oftentimes, unappreciated. But that is definitely countered by your words of appreciation and your gifts of kindness.
We were thrilled to receive a $2.5M gift of kindness from the Day 1 Families Foundation, specifically designated to help families who fall into homelessness. And every day, we receive your contributions of kindness to support the work Chum does, whether at the
Food Shelf, the Shelter, the Warming or Drop-in Centers, with the families at the Steve O’Neil Apartments, or the seniors at the St. Francis Apartments. All your gifts of kindness matter because they support those in need, and they also motivate our staff to keep on being a part of the goodness in this world.
'You do good work and we're better for it in Duluth. Thank you to everyone at Chum!' was one of the notes that came our way recently. What I really believe though, is that Duluth is indeed better when people of conscience and compassion look out for those less fortunate in their community. Together we are building a community we are proud to be a part of and in which to live. Way to go Chum; way to go Duluth!"
John Cole, Executive Director
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Homeless Memorial Vigil
December 22nd, 5-6:30pm (4:30pm if you would like to march)
Ceremony at Duluth City Hall (meet at Chum Food Shelf if you would like to march)
Help us honor those who have passed while experiencing homelessness this past year.
Winter Gear donations welcome. Open to public.
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2026 Chum Extravaganza
February 12th, 5:30-8:30pm at the DECC Harborside Ballroom
Food, Fun, and Philanthropy! Business Casual or Costume Attire
Join us for our 2026 Mardi Gras Extravaganza! Tickets are $50 and include food, music, entertainment, and community. Come learn first-hand from Chum staff and their stories why your support is so crucial at this time.
Tickets go on sale January 1st. We hope to see you there!
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If you are interested in sponsoring this event as a business or organization, please contact Tim Wilson at twilson@chumduluth.org for further details.
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"Love is Here to Stay"
Chum is raffling off a one-of-a-kind quilt by local artist Jordan Sundberg/Tip Cup Design Co. Tickets are $5 a piece, with the drawing being held on February 12th, 2026 at 6:30pm. You do not need to be present to win.
Tickets are limited! If you are interested, please email pbenson@chumduluth.org to purchase a raffle ticket.
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Volunteer of the Month: Lynn Shubitz
"Here at the food shelf, I would like to give a HUGE shout out to Lynn Shubitz! She has been volunteering for over 12 years and has had a huge impact on everyone here, from staff to volunteers. She helps coordinate volunteers for all of the box packing we do. From her day-to-day help to our Thanksgiving special boxes, Lynn makes our process go much smoother. She also helps with inventory, and keeping things organized on our shelves. Lynn is so loving, positive, and has a huge passion for being a BIG part here. I believe we would be lost without having her at Chum's Food Shelf."
April LeDoux, Director of Distributive Services
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Socktober Recap
Over the month of October, Duluth came together and donated over
500 pounds of socks for those who need them this winter season.
Thank you to our host sites (Ursa Minor, Chick-fil-A, Wussow's, Mount Royal Market, Super One, and Trailfitters) for hosting drop-off boxes, and to you, our community members,
for coming together and supporting the cause!
| | A Special Donor Shout-out | | This month, we received one of our favorite donations to date - a beautiful piece of artwork from a very talented donor! Community members like you are what make Duluth brighter. Thank you for sharing your talents with us <3 | |
Chum Extravaganza Silent Auction -
We Need Your Help!
We are collecting items for high-value themed packages to raise $12,000 for
Chum programs. Ideas include Adventure & Lodging (overnight stays, private boat trips),
Food & Culinary, Arts & Culture, Sports & Recreation, Self-Care & Wellness,
and Local & Duluth Favorites.
Questions? Contact Bud Trnka, Event Coordinator,
at btrnka@chumduluth.org or (218) 438-5381
Drop-Off: Trinity Lutheran Church, 1108 E. 8th Street
M–F 10 AM–Noon (or by appointment)
Contact: (218) 341-4998 or shivon.miller@gmail.com.
Every donation helps!
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December Wish List Items
Hats, Gloves, Socks, Handwarmers
Cleaning Supplies
Microwaves
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Local Business/Organization Spotlight
December 2025
Northern Waters Smokehaus - Collecting round-up donations
Yarn Harbor Duluth - Collecting Winter Accessories
The North 103.3 FM - Collecting Donations
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We're Hiring!
Warming Center Support Staff
The Warming Center is seeking compassionate, hardworking employees with weekend availability. The Warming Center is
a low-barrier shelter that helps keep people warm and sheltered during the coldest months of the year. The program runs nightly from 6pm to 8am. Shifts for staff are 5:30-10pm, 10pm-6am, and 6am-9am. Apply today to join this caring team and make an impact in
your community.
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Thank you, Delta Dental!
This past year, Chum was the grateful recipient of a grant from the Delta Dental Foundation. With Delta Dental’s generous support, our Health and Wellness Office was able to help schedule 52 dental appointments with free transportation for people staying in our shelters. Nearly all appointments were for emergency tooth pain. Dental services included extractions, cavity fillings, sedative fillings, cleanings, and dentures. Any portion of their bill that was not covered by insurance was covered by this grant.
About 50 people per day stop into Chum’s Health and Wellness Office for various needs, about 10% of which are dental concerns. The longer someone has lived unhoused, the worse their dental concerns tend to be. The scarcity of dentists who accept medical assistance, lack of financial coverage for services such as anesthesia, lack of transportation, clinics being booked out weeks or months, the unpredictability of life on the street interfering with appointment dates, all mean that many live with chronic and sometimes severe dental pain. When their pain becomes unbearable, our guests might visit the emergency room and rely on repeated courses of antibiotics and painkillers, sometimes going years with no real resolution. Thanks to Delta Dental Foundation, many people were able to fully address their dental issues and secure a better quality of life.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Delta Dental for helping us to reduce suffering and move closer to full care for all.
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How New Legislation Could Affect Your Charitable Giving Before Year-End
Recently enacted legislation could mean more tax benefits for charitable gifts made before year-end. Read more to learn how to maximize your giving and save taxes.
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Use Charitable Giving's "Superpower" to Guide Your Year-End Planning
Do you have a plan to control the most important elements of your charitable giving? Read more to learn how to make the most of your year-end planning opportunities.
| Thank you for reading this month's newsletter---have a joyful and restful holiday season. We'll see you next year! | | | | |
