From Page 1 To joyfully give by mail, gift cards and money should be sent to Friends In Need Food Shelf, P.O. Box 6, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. If online giving is preferred though, that can be completed on www.finfood.org/ donate.

Longer term residents of the area are most likely familiar with the iconic Canadian Pacific Holiday Train that choo-choo’ s through town every year. It serves as a vehicle for Christmas spirit with its abundance of colorful LED lights, music, and goodwill. “The Holiday Train is a community fundraiser that has been coming to Cottage Grove for the past 17 years, and it raises around $120,000 for us each year,” claims Michelle Rageth, the Executive Director of Friends in Need Food Shelf.

Due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this season’s show will appear differently from past ones. Even so, the Christmas spirit will be more than present! “Holiday Train At Home” is an online event that is fully sponsored by Canadian Pacific. Families of the community are invited to log onto Canadian Pacific’s Facebook page on December 12th at 7pm to witness the virtual concert. Additionally, to maintain fundraising traditions, Friends In Need Food Shelf is welcoming donations in two methods. The first option being to write and mail a check. If this is a person’s desired method, they should write the words, “Holiday Train” on the memo line of the check. Then they can address it to Friends In Need Food Shelf, P.O. Box 6, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Secondly, online giving with a credit card or Paypal account is always welcomed! Granters will need to head to www.finfood. org/donate to file a donation.

With the help of kind-hearted citizens, the Friends In Need Food Shelf will be able to reach their fundraising goal for 2020; $70,000! Contributors should note that just $50 is able to source about 150 meals for neighbors who are at risk of feeling hunger. Nonetheless, any amount is appreciated and guaranteed to make change this holiday season and in the months beyond.

“…We want to thank our community for the amazing support they’ve given us over the past 28 years! We would never be able to do what we do without the support of the individuals, businesses, churches, schools, and corporations who are so generous.”