A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
United Way
The United Way of Carlton County created an emergency fund called the COVID-19 Local Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide immediate support for Carlton County residents who need basic, everyday survival items by sending grocery cards through the mail.
To donate, text UWCARLTON to 41444 or visit the website. The office is not open to the public but it is accepting grocery cards through the mail at United Way of Carlton County, PO Box 250, Cloquet MN 55720.
Those requesting help should call 218-879-8404.
Food shelf
The Salvation Army operates a food shelf at its Cloquet location on 316 Carlton Avenue. While the thrift store is currently closed because of the threat of COVID-19 transmission, the food shelf is still serving people who need help.
While grocery donations to the food shelf are much appreciated, cash donations are even more helpful, because the food shelf purchases many of its food items through the Second Harvest Food Bank. According to Second Harvest, for every $1 donated, they can secure and distribute food for five meals to people facing hunger by working directly with farmers, wholesalers, packers, shippers and retail partners.
According to Joanne Lee, service extension director for the Salvation Army Northern Division, the local food shelf also needs paper goods such as toilet paper and paper towels, as well as other items in short supply since the pandemic started. Donations stay in the area where they are made, Lee said. Call 651-746-3407 to find out more about the Salvation Army’s programs.
The Salvation Army food shelf is open for those in need on Tuesdays from 8:30-11:20 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. It’s a drive-through service for now.
Moose Lake and Cromwell also have food shelf locations.
Eat out
Support your favorite dining establishment by ordering delivery, carryout or curbside pickup.
Clean up
The Cloquet Community Clean Up page says people out walking should pick up trash along the way. Keep your social distance and wear gloves. Trash pickup pictures may be posted online.
