Community Emergency Service

Say hello to a new friendly face at CES this summer, Aidan! 👋

One of our favorite things at CES is welcoming fresh perspectives, new ideas, and great energy, and Aidan brings all three.

As our Accounting & Development Intern, Aidan supports donor acknowledgments, donation processing, and database management, while also jumping in to help wherever needed - from working alongside volunteers to assisting in our food market.

When asked about his experience so far, Aidan shared that one of the most meaningful moments has been seeing firsthand the impact CES has on the community: “It is meaningful to see how the work being done behind the scenes helps provide support and resources to our neighbors.”

We’re grateful to have Aidan on our team this summer and excited for all he’ll contribute! 💛 Make sure to say "hi" if you see him around this summer.

Stay connected with us! ✉️

Sign up for our email list to receive updates on food market needs 🥫, volunteer opportunities and uplifting impact stories from our neighbors. 💛

Sign up at www.cesmn.org (and scroll to the footer at the bottom of the page).

☀️ ☀️

Summer is here! You can ensure all our neighbor kids have plenty of fuel for their sunny adventures!

This week, we need to restock our shelves with kid-friendly summer snacks - think granola bars, 100% juice boxes, crackers, raisins, and other healthy grab-and-go treats.

Having these snacks on hand makes a world of difference for families during the summer months. Your gift will keep local kids happy, healthy, and energized! 💛

Drop off your donation Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm CES: 1900 11th Ave S, Minneapolis.

🚗 🚗

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? We are in need of Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers to deliver prepared nourishing meals to our local seniors and homebound neighbors.

It’s more than just dropping off food, for many of our neighbors, a volunteer's warm smile and brief chat is the highlight of their entire day. 💛

Deliver meals once a week, once a month, or on a frequency that works for your schedule. Your time makes a significant difference!

Learn more or sign up at: https://cesmn.org/volunteer/

For 14 years, CES has been proud to keep seniors and their beloved pets together through our Ani-Meals program 🐾💛

Since 2012, Ani-Meals has helped ensure that older adults don’t have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding the pets who bring them comfort, companionship, and connection.

As we celebrate Pet Appreciation Week (June 7–13), we’re honoring the powerful bond between people and their pets - and the joy, purpose, and unconditional love that animals bring into our lives.

No one should have to say goodbye to a best friend due to financial hardship.💛 Want to support Ani-Meals? Your gift will provide pet food and supplies to seniors in our community. www.cesmn.org/donate

🤝 Your Group Can Volunteer at CES

At CES, we believe that when people come together, real change happens.

We welcome youth groups, church groups, corporate teams, scout troops, service clubs, and families to join us in supporting our neighbors in need.

Whether you’re looking to give back as a group, strengthen your team, or simply spend meaningful time together, there’s a place for you at CES.

Come volunteer with us and help turn compassion into action. 💛

👉 Reach out and we’ll help you find the right group opportunity. Email [email protected]

🌿 🌿

This week, we need your help restocking everyday essentials that help families prepare warm, culturally connected meals at home.

We need cooking oils, dried spices and herbs. These simple staples make a big difference in every kitchen.

Your donation supports local families most in need. Drop off at CES Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm, 1900 11th Ave S, Minneapolis.

You can hear summer arrive before you even see it. ☀️Kids laughing down the block. The jingle of the ice cream truck. The squeak of sneakers on sidewalks.

But there’s another sound we don’t talk about enough - the quiet rumble of a child’s empty stomach.

When school ends, many of our neighborhood kids lose access to the breakfasts and lunches they rely on every day. At CES, we see it immediately - more families, more kids, and a greater need for food.

This summer, you can help change that.

Your gift TODAY will put healthy meals on the plates of local kids who need them most - so the sounds of summer stay full of joy, not hunger.

💛 Give today and help feed kids all summer long: https://cesmn.org/donation-form/

💛 Woof! What a day - tails wagging and a few meows along the way!

CES recently partnered with the Animal Humane Society to host a pop-up vet care clinic for our neighbors - serving 46 pets from 33 families with preventative care.

Thanks to an experienced team of AHS volunteers, the day ran smoothly from intake through each step of care, ensuring every pet and their person felt cared for.

Along the way, many attendees were introduced to our food shelf for the first time. Several families signed up to shop that same day or scheduled future visits - helping us continue to connect more neighbors with the resources they need.

*This* is what community looks like - neighbors caring for neighbors (including the furry ones).

🥪 🥪

Summer break for kids is nearly here and our shelves could use a classic staple families rely on - peanut butter and jelly.

Drop off your donation M-F 9am-12pm at 1900 11th Ave S, Minneapolis.

Or up the ante and consider hosting a peanut butter and jelly drive with your group - youth group, congregation, book club, scout troop, or co-workers.