Community Emergency Service (CES)

Give to the Max for Neighbors Facing Hunger

The holiday season is a time to give thanks — for family, food, home, and the people whose generosity makes life brighter. This season, we’re thankful for you.

Because of you, neighbors who are struggling will have a table to gather around, meals to share, and hope to hold onto.

Help Us Reach Our $50,000 Goal!

This Give to the Max Day, our goal is to raise $50,000 in 24 hours (including early giving starting November 1) to feed families, seniors, and children facing hunger.

Every dollar makes a difference — and your gift will be doubled thanks to a generous $50,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor. That means your support can provide $100,000 worth of food, care, and hope to neighbors in need.

Hunger Doesn’t Take a Holiday

Every day, more than 460 people visit the CES food market — parents stretching every dollar, seniors on fixed incomes, and children who may go to bed hungry tonight. Without support, hope can feel out of reach.

Meet Aelessa

A mother of two, she found CES during one of the hardest moments of her life:

“I remember it like it was yesterday. My mom and I lived together in my little studio apartment in downtown Minneapolis. My daughter was just a year old. That night, we all went to sleep together. The next morning, my mom was gone.”

Her mother’s sudden passing left her grieving and alone. Depression made each day a struggle — until hunger forced her to act.

“I searched for food shelves near me and found CES. When I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warmth and kindness. The staff didn’t just hand me food; they cared. They asked if I needed help double bagging, if I had what I needed. They thought about me even after I left.”

That moment — when Aelessa was welcomed, when she knew she could bring her daughter next time, when food was provided so they wouldn’t go to bed hungry — is what your support makes possible. Because of you, hope exists even in the hardest moments.

Today, Aelessa still relies on CES to feed her family as prices rise and her income doesn’t stretch far enough.

“Every month, I rely on CES to help fill the gap. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without CES. I can’t let my kids go hungry.”

You can be the reason she doesn’t have to.

Double Your Impact — and Help Us Reach $50,000

Your Give to the Max Day gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar — up to $50,000 — bringing twice the meals, hope, and comfort to neighbors who need it most.

Together, we can turn hunger into hope this holiday season.

Your Gift Today Will:

• Put nourishing meals on neighbors’ tables

• Bring comfort and stability to families, seniors, and children

• Show neighbors that they are seen, cared for, and not alone

As you gather around your own table this holiday season, imagine Aelessa and her children sitting at theirs — nourished, safe, and hopeful — because of you.