Community Giving: Donate to CAER
Whether it’s nonperishable food items, household and hygiene products, or monetary donations, community giving is the beating heart that keeps CAER’s programs moving. Through generous contributions from members of our community, we are able to provide support to more than 750 local households each month.
Donate Needed Items
Donating to CAER is easy and helps relieve hunger and financial strain for local families in need. If you’re wondering how to make the biggest donation impact, below are some of the items food shelf shoppers most often need.
Most needed food items:
- Ketchup
- Baking ingredients:
- Flour, sugar, spices, and oil
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Canned chicken or tuna
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Coffee
- Paper Towels
- Laundry Soap
Most needed hygiene items:
- Toothpaste,Toothbrushes
- Menstrual supplies
- Bar soap
- Deodorant
- Baby wipes
From May through September, we also accept donations of new, unusedschool supplies to ensure local students have the things they need in the classroom. Supplies are distributed before the start of each new school year.
And from September through March, CAER accepts donations of new or gently used
winter wear for youth and adults.
When to Donate: Hours
CAER accepts donations of nonperishable food, personal health and hygiene items, and household cleaning products during certain times throughout the week. To drop off items, please go to the door at the back of the building and ring the bell.
- Monday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Thursday: noon-5 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For donation times outside of regular hours, please call763.441.1020.
CAER also accepts monetary donations. Checks can be made out to CAER Food Shelf and delivered or mailed to:
Annual Reports & Financial Statements
CAER Food Shelf, also known as Community Aid Elk River, is a 501(c)3 organization. Our Our tax-exempt Identification number is 41-1415484.
CAER’s annual reports provide a comprehensive summary of our outreach efforts over the past several years, including information on financial contributions and funds allocation, food and product sources, program updates, and more.
Annual Reports
990 Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of things can I donate to CAER?
In addition to nonperishable food items, CAER gladly accepts donations of personal care items; household products; school supplies; books; winter wear for youth and adults; and baby formula, wipes, and diapers.
We are unable to accept individual donations of venison or other frozen or refrigerated meat.
When can I drop off donations?
Donations are accepted during scheduled hours throughout the week. If you are unable to drop off your donation during those times, please call 763.441.1020 to set up another time. Regular donation hours are:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Thursday: noon-5 p.m.
Please go to the door at the back of the building and ring the bell.
Can I make a cash donation to CAER?
Make a DonationYes, CAER also accepts monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off, or make checks payable to CAER Food Shelf and mail to:
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