Donate Food and Products to CAER
Community donations of food and other products are essential to the success of many of the programs provided by CAER. Every month, generous contributions from members of our community help support more than 750 local households with meals and essentials.
Food Shelf Donations
During set times throughout the week, CAER graciously accepts donations of food, personal health and hygiene items, household cleaning products, and more. Please go to the door at the back of the building and ring the bell to drop off your donation.
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.
To drop off a donation outside of regular hours, please set up a time by calling763.441.1020. Also note: We are unable to accept individual donations of frozen or refrigerated meat.
Nonperishable Date Guidelines
Many pre-packaged foods are good beyond their sell by/use by date stamp. Food shelves adhere to different standards when it comes to dates on items stocked and placed on shelves. Our volunteers check the dates on every nonperishable item that is donated to ensure it:
- Is unopened
- Has a sell by/use by date of the current year or later
- Has the original label attached, listing ingredients and nutritional information.
Also note: Baby food and formula must be dated the current month or later, otherwise these items are considered expired and cannot be distributed.
Donate School Supplies
Before the start of each school year, CAER distributes school supplies to local children to ensure they have the things they need to learn and excel in the classroom.
Donations of new, unused school supplies are accepted from May through September each year. We also graciously accept monetary donations and estimate that a $30 donation can provide school supplies for one student.
Some of the most-needed school supplies include:
- Crayola crayons (24 count)
- Crayola wide-tip markers (10 count)
- Dixon Ticonderoga pencils
- Pens: Blue, black, or red ink
- Glue sticks and glue bottles
- Dry-erase markers and highlighters
- Index cards (3x5)
- Crayola or Prang watercolor paints
- Binders (1- or 2-inch with clear front pocket)
- Three-prong and two-pocket plastic folders
- Spiral bound and composition notebooks
We also have anAmazon Wish List. Items can be purchased online and delivered directly to CAER.
Winter Wear Donations
Each winter season, CAER distributes cold weather gear to help more than 600 local youth and adults stay warm. We rely on generous donations of new and gently used winter items from September through March.
Winter wear items we can accept for youth and adults include:
- Winter coats
- Snowpants
- Warm mittens and gloves
- Winter boots
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of products 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 donate winter jackets that my kids have outgrown?
Yes. From September through March, CAER accepts donations of new or gently used winter wear, including winter coats, snowpants, mittens and gloves, and winter boots for youth and adults.
Does CAER help families outside of Elk River?
CAER Food Shelf is a no-boundaries organization that welcomes those from any city. We also have information on resources in other areas for anyone seeking assistance in their neighborhood.
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