At its core, CEAP is a community of neighbors supporting neighbors. Nothing exemplifies this better than the community of committed volunteers – neighbors who continue to raise their hands for others in times of need.
In 2025, more than 700 neighbors raised a hand to volunteer with CEAP. Whether they sorted clothes in the Thrift Store, delivered meals to a senior neighbor, or packed a family’s grocery order in our Food Market, these neighbors are the driving force that keeps CEAP’s programs running. But it’s more than what they do – it's who they are that makes this community so special.
Across our programs, volunteers meet neighbors where they are. Meals on Wheels drivers brave unpredictable Minnesota weather to provide over 60,000 meals to senior and homebound neighbors each year. For many recipients, these volunteers are their only point of connection during the week, offering not just a meal, but friendship and care.
In our Turning Leaf Thrift Store, volunteers sort, stock, and sell donated goods to neighbors at accessible prices, with all proceeds supporting CEAP’s programs! With a keen eye for style and a friendly smile, they ensure our neighbors have access to clothing and household items all year long.
The same care is seen in our Food Market, where volunteers work side by side to assemble personalized grocery orders that reflect each neighbor’s unique needs and preferences. Their work behind-the-scenes ensures food is accessible, high-quality, and shared with dignity.
When urgent needs arise, CEAP volunteers are always ready to step in. From neighbors like Jeanne, who rounded up a group of friends to sort donations on short notice, to Susan, who stepped in to serve meals at our Fish Fry Fundraiser – our community is filled with neighbors willing to raise a hand for those in need.
Volunteers are truly the heart of CEAP, and their dedication deserves celebration. Join us April 19–25 as we honor these leaders during our annual Volunteer Appreciation Week. Throughout the week, we’ll take time each day to acknowledge the effort that goes into every order, food delivery, and hour of service.
This week -- and every week -- is about saying thank you: to the volunteers who quietly make a difference every day, who turn generosity into action, and who remind us that community care starts with showing up for one another. CEAP is stronger because of you, and we are deeply grateful.
