NEAR Food Shelf preps for Thanksgiving

It’s not even Halloween yet, but the NEAR food shelf in Crystal is already working on Thanksgiving.

Volunteers spent two days putting together over 600 boxes of Thanksgiving supplies for the food shelf’s clients. Jan Monroe’s been with the food shelf for decades and for her, the mission is personal. Growing up in poverty gave Jan a first-hand understanding of her clients’ need.

“I don’t want any kid to go without any food,” Jan says. “I’m doing this for the children. The adults can kind of fend for themselves The children are my main goal and I want to make sure they have a decent meal on Thanksgiving just like you and I do.”

The holiday boxes will be distributed in the coming weeks. NEAR accepts donations of food and money, and is always looking for volunteers. If you’d like to help, call 763-533-2836 or just drop by with your donation.