Realtors® provided community goodwill for SPAAR’s 2025 #thanksgivingback

Thanks to the generosity of members, SPAAR collected nearly 900 boxes of cereal throughout November 2025 for its #thanksgivingback program.

From there, SPAAR staff distributed the cereal boxes to food shelves within each of SPAAR’s 12-county service area, which include Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Rice, Sherburne and Washington counties.

Here are some of the drop-off stories:

The Keystone Community Services in Ramsey County received 80 pounds of cereal from SPAAR. According to Keystone, they reach more than 50,000 people primarily in the Ramsey County area and share the message that food shelves are a great place for people to use as a resource; everyone needs help at some time, and that’s ok.

At Open Cupboard in Oakdale, the need is huge and always growing. One of the store employees said they serve 450-650 families daily and that the cereal would fly off the shelves as it’s a popular item.

At the Red Wing Food Shelf, the need for food support continues to trend upward. The food shelf currently serves 85 families each week. An employee said cereal is always a huge hit and the food shelf typically only receives it when boxes are damaged and cannot be sold in traditional retail stores.

The Community Action Center in Faribault was excited to receive the cereal distribution to help serve the 400-500 families that rely on its site each week.

At the Mora Food Pantry and at 360 Communities in Burnsville, the latter where 93 pounds of cereal was delivered, the employees receiving the donated cereal were appreciative to be remembered by the Realtor® community.

Nationally, according to NAR, 70% of Realtors® volunteer monthly, which is three times the average American rate. Thanks to everyone in Minnesota who helped make a difference for SPAAR’s #thanksgivingback in 2025. These deliveries are always a reminder that so many in our communities benefit from assistance year-round.

Interested in being a part of future community-focused opportunities? Stayed tuned to SPAAR’s eNews and calendar to learn more or reach out to spaar@spaar.com.