About Garrison Area Caregivers

A community organization serving people in difficult life circumstances by building a strong network of local volunteers.

Mission

To provide services in the Garrison area that help people with basic needs such as food and clothing, coordinate volunteers, develop support programs as needs arise, and promote the present system of services through networking and information sharing.

  • Thrift Store
    The Thrift Store accepts donated items, then sorts, cleans, and categorizes them. Some seasonal items are stored for the upcoming season. Items are priced very reasonably and displayed in the store for sale. All proceeds support Food Shelf and Thrift Store operations, and all labor to operate the store is provided by volunteers.
  • Food Shelf
    The Food Shelf purchases and receives donations of food and non-food goods for distribution to those in need during Tuesday operating hours. Special meal items are procured and provided during the holiday season in addition to the food and goods normally available. All labor for this work is provided by volunteers.
  • General
    Garrison Area Caregivers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the local Garrison area community. The whole of the Garrison Area Caregivers operation is supported by donations and volunteer labor to operate the Thrift Store and Food Shelf.

2026 Board of Directors

For questions about GAC leadership, contact a board member by email.

Who is Dorothy?

Dorothy Barthel and her husband, Norm, were Food Shelf volunteers who cared deeply about local families facing hunger and hardship. In 2010, Dorothy and Norm helped make a permanent home for Garrison Area Caregivers possible through a major donation toward the purchase of the building.

Dorothy passed away shortly before the purchase became final, but her generosity and vision live on in the name Dorothy's Rainbow. The building became home to Garrison Area Caregivers, the Food Shelf, and the Thrift Store, creating a place where volunteers could continue serving neighbors in need.

Source: Brainerd Dispatch, October 13, 2010.