RIVER FALLS — Kathy Hetzel was always a silent giver in the community. When she passed away in August 2025, it was important to her daughter, Jeanette Juetten, to make sure that her money went toward a cause that she would support.

That is why Jeanette and her husband Don set up an endowment through the St. Croix Valley Foundation that permanently supports the River Falls Community Food Pantry.

“My mom was a very giving person… more of an in the background, quiet giver. You didn’t always know that she was giving in the ways that she was,” Juetten said. “For me, it was a way to honor her but also impact the community that I live in currently.”

Jeanette has long been involved with the pantry since moving to River Falls. At first, it was a way to give back while becoming more connected to her new home, but it continued to evolve. She began as a volunteer in 2016, becoming a board member in 2017.

“To start with, I would say it was a way to get to know the community and people better,” Juetten said. “Food insecurity is such a basic need, along with housing. Food necessitates life, and the amount of people that live on such a fine line about being able to afford their next meal or to eating three meals a day is something I feel strongly about helping.”

According to an article from the St. Croix Valley Foundation, the pantry was running out of a small, rented space in 2018, and with needs continuing to expand, Juetten worked tirelessly to identify a new location. Eventually, the pantry purchased land on St. Croix Street, opening a new building to the community in 2019.

“At the same time, Jeanette also led initiatives to modernize the pantry’s brand and communications, including updating the logo and website,” the article states. “Service became a family commitment. Jeanette’s daughter Jenna and her Girl Scout troop earned their service bar by stocking pantry shelves every other Sunday for a school year during middle school. That experience, along with a mission trip at a homeless shelter where she saw food insecurity firsthand, deepened Jenna’s passion for the pantry’s work.”

Jenna, who is now in high school, is a junior board member and secretary at the pantry.

When faced with rising costs in 2024, the pantry faced its financial low point. Juetten said that is when endowment discussions started, but they were unsure of who would kick off that fund.

“We are very lucky for the building campaign to have the building paid off, but as things shift, and the economy changes and the political climate changes, there have definitely been times where we haven’t had six months of operating income,” Juetten said. “I felt really panicked as a board member. I laid awake at night thinking of how we were going to solve that. While her death was unfortunate, and too early and she had a lot of life left in her, I also think that it was a beautiful blessing to be able to carry that forward in a way that would serve so many others and in a way that my mom would absolutely agree with.”

Juetten said River Falls is a special community because of how they are willing to rally behind a cause every single time. She hopes her family can inspire others to support causes that are important to them.

“The world always needs more volunteers. There’s always organizations, people, individuals that need help. Sometimes it's hard to find those people that say yes or help,” Juetten said. “Any amount of time or dollars does make a difference.”

"This generous gift is much more than a contribution; it is a promise of lasting support for our community. It offers vital hope to those in need today, while inspiring others to advance the pantry's mission for years ahead. Jeanette's vision is a beautiful reminder that generosity leaves a ripple effect, and that every single person has the power to make a meaningful difference,” River Falls Community Food Pantry Executive Director Candice Anderson said.

To donate to the River Falls Community Food Pantry, go to scvf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate. Jeanette has the goal of seeing the fund hit $5 million one day.

“Now that the River Falls Community Food Pantry Endowed Fund is established, the River Falls community has a new way to support the pantry’s mission: give what you can, when you can, and be part of something that lasts. While everyday gifts remain vital to keep shelves stocked and programs running, contributions to the endowment offer a special opportunity—helping ensure the pantry can serve neighbors not only today but for generations to come,” the St. Croix Valley Foundation article reads.