Kurschner, a mother of six, lost her St. Paul home of nearly seven years to foreclosure, followed by her job of more than nine years a few months later. Her estranged husband, the father of her children, died two years ago.

Kathy and Troy Ersfeld, of Apple Valley, were each laid off from their jobs just months apart. Scraping by on unemployment compensation, the couple is contemplating putting down the ailing pet dog of their 5-year-old autistic son because they cannot afford exploratory surgery that could save the animal’s life.

But, at least once monthly, each family gets a helping hand that literally puts food on their tables.

MORE