Local Ministry Seeks Help To Serve Hungry Families In St. Cloud

Yesterday, I received an alarming message from a member of our community in the St. Cloud area; someone who has dedicated her life to serving others.

Reverend Carolyn Hagen reached out to share that there is an urgent need for financial donations at The Hagen Center. This ministry has been serving three hot meals a week to community members experiencing hunger in Central Minnesota since 1997.

OVER 10,000 MEALS SERVED SINCE OCTOBER 2021

More than 10,000 meals have been served since The Hagen Center opened its new location in October of 2021.

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Some of the people who come to the center for a hot meal will quietly ask if they can bring extra food home for family members who are unable to make it there.

Those family members are often older adults, children, and teenagers.

They don’t demand it. They don’t expect it.

They ask.

Because they are hungry.

Reverend Hagen sees this over and over again, and she says the need has grown significantly this past year.

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HUNGRY KIDS AND FAMILIES NEED YOUR HELP

“Oh my gosh… it’s not just adults struggling with mental health or substance issues,” Hagen said. “There are hungry kids and families out there who have no way to provide a hot meal for themselves or their loved ones.”

She continued:

“The pantry is important, but it becomes secondary when someone needs to fill their stomach immediately. Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth… when you refused to help the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ (Matthew 25:44–45). I can’t emphasize enough how much need there is for financial support right now.”

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Not everyone is in a position to give financially, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.

Donations of non-perishable food, gently used clothing, household items, and personal care products are always needed. Volunteers make sure those items get into the hands of people who truly need them.

(A full list is included at the bottom of this story.)

“ONLY A BLANKET”

Recently, an older man came to the center wrapped in nothing but a blanket.

He asked if they had any boxer briefs.

He didn’t have anything on underneath.

It’s one of many stories Reverend Hagen hears far too often. And it’s a reminder that the need is real and happening right here in our community.

WHY THE NEED IS SO GREAT RIGHT NOW

I asked Carolyn why the need feels especially urgent right now.

“Winters are always tougher,” she said, “but there has always been a need in St. Cloud. We try to be as frugal as possible so we can serve as many meals as we can. But when people need food, compassion and financial support go hand in hand. Without help from individuals in our community, we simply couldn’t do this.”

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR THOSE IN NEED

Right now, Carolyn is preparing the meals herself, and she loves doing it.

From chicken dishes to hearty meals like pot pie or shepherd’s pie, her goal is simple: make sure people leave full.

And despite the challenges, she says she never feels burdened.

In fact, she smiled when she told me that.

Carolyn also shared that she and her husband experienced homelessness earlier in life. It’s something she has never forgotten, and it’s what drives her to keep showing up for others every single day.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE HAGEN CENTER

If you would like to support The Hagen Center financially, you can send a check to:

Hagen Center
340 7th Avenue S.
St. Cloud, MN 56301

You can also donate online via PayPal or credit card by clicking HERE. (All donations are tax-deductible.)

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

Donations can be dropped off at the Hagen Center (340 7th Avenue South in St. Cloud):

• Tuesdays: Noon to 3 p.m.

• Sundays: Noon to 3 p.m.

Needed items include:

• Gently used clothing

• Household items

• Personal care products

• Non-perishable food

• Bibles

• Bus passes

• Reading glasses

• Shoes and boots

• Waterproof tarps and coverings

• Sleeping bags

• Pillows

• Hand warmers and more

NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING

The Hagen Center does not receive government funding and is a 501(c)3 Tax-Exempt Christian Ministry that completely survives on the private donations of individuals and businesses in the community.

That’s why community support is critical.

There are people in our area who are struggling right now. Families, children, and individuals who simply need a meal, a warm place, or a helping hand.

And The Hagen Center is there for all of them, regardless of background or beliefs.

If you’d like more information, Reverend Hagen says you can call her directly at 612-250-1462.