HUDSON — Far more people in the St. Croix Valley than we often realize are struggling to make ends meet. They include working parents juggling full-time jobs and ever-increasing bills, seniors living on fixed incomes who must choose between paying for medications or groceries, and children who arrive at school on Monday mornings with rumbling stomachs, not fully set up to succeed in the classroom.

Many of these neighbors never expected to need help. A major medical bill, an unexpected layoff, or the rising costs of everyday living can quickly turn stability into uncertainty. When that happens, local charitable organizations step in to help fill the gaps, offering support, dignity, and a path forward during a difficult season.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, the community has an opportunity to stand with them through Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), a family-friendly winter walk in downtown Hudson that offers a simple, meaningful way to support neighbors facing hardship.

Now in its third year, the Hudson CNOY event, led by River Valley Charities, has raised more than $112,000 over its first two years, directly supporting essential services for families and individuals across the St. Croix Valley. Organizers hope to raise $60,000 in 2026 to continue that local impact.

CNOY is part of an international movement taking place in hundreds of communities across North America on the same winter evening. While participants in Hudson walk alongside communities across the continent in spirit, the St. Croix Valley event is locally organized, locally led, and locally focused. Proceeds from the walk stay in the community and directly benefit four local organizations:

• Grace Place Salvation Army — providing emergency shelter, meals, and stability programs for those experiencing homelessness

• Our Neighbors’ Place — offering transitional housing, a daytime resource center, case management, and a backpack food program for children

• The Farm at YMCA Camp St. Croix — a youth educational farm supplying fresh, locally grown produce to area food shelves

• River Valley Charities — providing backbone support that connects, strengthens, and equips nonprofits and backpack programs serving the St. Croix Valley

Participants may choose a 1-mile or 3-mile walk, both easy routes through downtown Hudson and Lakefront Park. The event is open to individuals, families, friend groups, workplaces, and community organizations. Pre-registration is required, and early team sign-ups are encouraged.

CNOY is a peer-to-peer fundraiser, meaning participants raise funds by inviting friends, family, and coworkers to support their walk through personalized fundraising pages. Those who raise $150 or more as an adult or $75 or more as a youth receive a commemorative CNOY beanie as recognition for their support.

“Coldest Night of the Year is intentionally simple and welcoming,” said River Valley Charities Executive Director Andy Johnson. “It’s a chance for anyone to get involved, form ateam and ask their own network to support them. No one is expected to raise huge amounts on their own. When lots of people take part, even small contributions add up in a big way. There’s something powerful about walking alongside hundreds of others who care about their neighbors. It’s visible, it’s communal, and it sends a clear message that people in need are not alone.”

The walk begins and ends at Midcurrent Church where participants can warm up afterward with a simple soup meal. Those who are unable to walk in downtown Hudson that day are still welcome to participate by forming or joining a team, fundraising, walking on their own at another time or place or simply donating to support the event.

The 2026 Hudson Coldest Night of the Year event is proudly supported by Phillips Medisize as the lead sponsor, along with several additional local businesses and organizations whose support helps make the event possible. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

Event details, sponsorship opportunities, registration, volunteer sign-ups, and donation options can be found at rivervalleycharities.com.

Submitted by River Valley Charities