Jim Blaha, Executive Director

In my 40 years of community service experience, the economic needs of our neighbors have never been so great. Today, the Community Action Center of Northfield is working with more people who are in need of food than we have previously witnessed. Today, we are serving people who have lost jobs and are struggling to support their families. Today, the resources of the Community Action Center are stretched more thinly because of the economic climate around us and the growing needs of our neighbors.

This month, the Community Action Center is participating in the statewide FoodShare campaign, a collection drive that is especially important this year because of the current economy and its impact on more and more of our acquaintances, family members and friends. We are asking those who are able to give generously to the Community Action Center of Northfield to help our neighbors in need.

There are many people among us who do not have the assurance of knowing when or where their next meal will be, but the Community Action Center provides them with hope and sustenance. Every month in Northfield, more than 350 families look to us for nutritious meals. Every week in Northfield, 7,250 pounds of food are provided to those families.

There is so much that we have accomplished. But, too, there is so much more that needs to be done. Together, we can provide the assurance our neighbors need so that they don’t need to worry about having enough to eat. We can’t rest on the presumption that this happens on its own. Together we’ll reach our goal of raising $130,000 and/or collecting 130,000 pounds of food.

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards,

Jim Blaha
Executive Director

For 18 years the team has raised money through its “Free Throws for Food” effort. Seeking sponsorship for each successful free throw made in a marathon shooting contest, team members have cumulatively raised $54,921. We’re always proud of their participation and grateful for their gift.

Community Action Center Executive Director, Jim Blaha, with members of the NHS Boys Basketball Team

Drop-box locations include:

• Northfield Ice Arena (1280 Bollenbacher Drive — Pro Shop window)
• Goodbye Blue Monday Coffee House (314 Division Street — Entrance hallway)
• Carleton College ACT Office (Sayles-Hill — Main Floor)
• St. Olaf College SGA Office (107 Buntrock Commons)
• Culver’s (960 Highway 3 South)

Jim Blaha, Director

It has been a challenging year, to be sure. But the Community Action Center has weathered economic and social changes for 40 years, and we knew that with the help of our community, we could do so again – and we have. So, to celebrate the season and remind ourselves of why we do what we do, here are just a few of the things we are most grateful for this year.

• The clients who regularly share their stories of renewed hope and success after receiving assistance from the Community Action Center, and who inspire us daily to continue our work.
• Our hard-working Board of Directors and their commitment to our mission and goals.
• The United Way, for continued funding and support.
• The spirit of hope, care, perseverance and ingenuity in the Northfield area community.
• The 1,750+ volunteers who assisted with our outreach programs from July 2008 to June 2009
• Our dedicated full- and part-time staff members, whose efforts touch so many in our community.
• The generosity of our Northfield area neighbors who have contributed to our community with their gifts of time, material goods and financial support through the Community Action Center.

My sincerest thanks to everyone for your support this year. We have, indeed, served a record number of people and we will likely do so again in 2010. With your help, we are most certainly up to the challenge.

Warmest Regards,

Jim Blaha