Annual “Charity Challenge” Bringing Cheer This Holiday Season

ST. CLOUD -- Local foundations are beginning their annual "Food Shelf Charity Challenge" to help more people in need this holiday season.

The Norman C. Skalicky Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation are kicking off their annual Charity Challenge with local food shelves this holiday season.

The Skalicky Foundation will match every dollar donated to three area food shelves up to $75,000.

Donations for the Charity Challenge need to be received by December 31st, and can be sent to Catholic Charities, St. Cloud Salvation Army, or St. Joseph Community Food Shelf.

Last year, the Charity Challenge raised a record $267,000 which is a 53 percent increase over the amount raised in 2012.

The Skalicky Foundation has donated over $2 million to charities and has challenged communities with fund-raising matching campaigns for worldwide, national and community disasters and needs.

You can send donations for the "Food Shelf Charity Challenge" to any of the following eligible food shelves:

- Catholic Charities: PO Box 2390, St. Cloud, MN 56302 or online at www.ccstcloud.org.

- St. Cloud Salvation Army: 400 U.S. Highway 10 S, St. Cloud, MN 56304 or online at www.salvationarmynorth.org/community/st-cloud.

- St. Joseph Community Food Shelf: PO Box 384, St. Joseph, MN 56374.