With local families and residents in need at the forefront of their minds this holiday season, the Crookston Area Community Fund (CACF) stepped in to donate nearly $10,000 worth of essential items throughout the community.
Through collaboration with Crookston Public Schools, CACF provided winter clothing and necessities for students, including winter coats, snow pants, hats, scarves, mittens, boots, socks, and underwear. Shelf-stable and kid-friendly food items were also donated to support families experiencing food insecurity during the school holiday break.
“We have such a generous supportive community that often helps meet the challenges we are facing, and we are very appreciative of the donations for immediate needs from the Crookston Area Community Fund,” shared therapist and school representative Tara Miller-Rodriguez. “Ongoing needs we continue to seek are socks, underwear, good shoes, simple items like unscented lotion or lip balm for chapped hands and lips during the winter months, and funds for school pictures.”
Approximately 65% of students in the Crookston School District qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, highlighting the significant challenges many families face – especially when unexpected costs arise, such as vehicle repairs or medical bills. The need for winter gear, school supplies, and holiday costs can also cause concern.
Crookston Public Schools, with the support of community and regional partners, plans to explore opportunities in 2026 to develop a sustainable, ongoing food program for families in need in the district. Community members interested in supporting children at Crookston Schools directly are encouraged to contact Tara Miller-Rodriguez at taramiller@isd593.org.
CACF also supported public housing residents at Oak Court Apartments this holiday season, providing bedding needs such as comforters and sheet sets. Many Oak Court residents arrive with minimal to no household items, making these donations especially impactful.
“We are deeply grateful to the Crookston Area Community Fund for their generous donation of blankets and sheets. This thoughtful gift brings warmth, comfort, and a powerful reminder to our clients that they are cared for by a compassionate community,” Said CHEDA representative Theresa Tahran. Those wishing to donate directly to support Oak Courts residents may contact Theresa or Tanya with Crookston Housing at 218-281-5334 or housing@crookstonheda.com.
The Crookston Area Community Fund (CACF) works to build lasting resources that can be invested back into the community to support meaningful charitable, educational, and public efforts. Through its endowment, CACF helps fund programs and projects that contribute to the overall well-being of those who live in and visit the Crookston area, including initiatives focused on health and wellness, recreation, the arts, housing assistance, services for seniors, youth opportunities, and other vital community needs. Grants are awarded to local nonprofits and organizations to ensure support reaches where it is needed most.
As a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, CACF offers a trusted way for individuals and businesses to give locally, ensuring their contributions directly benefit the Crookston community now and into the future.
Donations are accepted year-round by mail at:
P.O. Box 543
Crookston, MN 56716
or online at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nwmfoundation/restriction/Crookston+Area+Community+Fund
Through partnerships and the generosity of the community, CACF continues to make a meaningful difference for families and residents throughout the Crookston area – especially during the holiday season.
