Lace up your shoes and join us for the NEARly There 5K & Fun Run during Crystal Frolics on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Bassett Creek Park (32nd & Yates Avenues N.). The 5K Race/Walk begins at 8:00 AM and benefits both Crystal Frolics and NEAR Food Shelf. There is also a virtual race option and a FREE Kids Fun Run, making this a great event for the whole family!

We're looking for event sponsors to help offset race expenses and support this community fundraiser. If your business or organization is interested in becoming a sponsor, we'd love to hear from you! Contact Thea Bruley, NEAR Food Shelf Director, via email (manager.nearfoodshelf@gmail.com) or phone, NEAR 763-533-2836 (main menu - option #2).

Register today at  https://raceroster.com/events/2026/119393/nearly-there-5k

or through the Crystal Frolics website.

Give us a helping hand and donate a non-perishable or non-food item to the NEAR Food Shelf on Saturday, July 11 at the Robbinsdale Hy-Vee store.

Food and Hygiene insecurity happens all year, and we rely on your donations to help your neighbors.

In observance of the 4th of July holiday, we are closed on July 3, 2026. Enjoy your holiday and be safe!

Join us for Empty Bowls 2026!

Empty Bowls is a community fundraiser supporting NEAR Food Shelf. This event has united volunteers, local businesses, and neighbors to fight hunger. Today, over 400,000 Minnesotans face food insecurity. NEAR’s goal is to provide nutritious food to clients. Your participation helps provide vital support to families in need.

Enjoy food samplings from local restaurants and area businesses. Enjoy entertainment from Robbinsdale Area Schools talented orchestra students as well as local choirs and dancers. Magician David Farr (https://www.davidfarr.com) will dazzle you and our therapy dogs will be available for you to cuddle and pet.

Become a Sponsor - Make a Donation

If you or someone you know, including a business or organization, would like to contribute or become a sponsor of this event, please contact Jeff at emptybowls@nearfoodshelf.org.

Individual donations can be made here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/emptybowlsfundraiser

Join us for these fun, FREE community events at Robbinsdale Middle School, 3730 Toledo Ave. N., Robbinsdale

• Make a Bowl Reschedule: Tuesday, February 10, 5:00–7:30 p.m.

• Glaze a Bowl: Tuesday, February 17, 5:00–7:30 p.m

Groups are welcome! Reservations are encouraged but not required

Reserve your spot here: https://forms.gle/vee5tdoqyFTu6iac6

Crystal Lions Steak Fry Fundraiser for NEAR: February 11, 2026 - Please see attached flyer

Join us for the Crystal Lions Steak Fry Fundraiser for NEAR on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Charles Knaeble VFW Post #494.

Enjoy a delicious steak dinner hosted by the Crystal Lions, with Crystal City Council members serving as volunteer servers. Please see the attached flyer and register here, so we can plan for dinner counts.

Thank you for your support—we hope to see you there!

Join us for these fun, FREE community events at Robbinsdale Middle School, 3730 Toledo Ave. N., Robbinsdale

• Make a Bowl Reschedule: Tuesday, February 10, 5:00–7:30 p.m.

• Glaze a Bowl: Tuesday, February 17, 5:00–7:30 p.m

Groups are welcome! Reservations are encouraged but not required

Reserve your spot here: https://forms.gle/vee5tdoqyFTu6iac6