Tusen Tack Programs

Tusen Tack Programs build community and enhance the quality of life of residents in East Central Minnesota through the engagement of volunteers, partnerships with other non-profit organizations and providing services, including the operation of the Alice Studt Library, Braham Area Food Shelf, Braham Event Center, Kathy's Kitchen, and the Tusen Tack Thrift Store. 

GIVE BY NOVEMBER 17, 2022, AND HELP US REACH OUR FACILITIES UPGRADE INTIATIVE GOAL OF $20,000!

We are grateful for your support as Tusen Tack Programs continue to serve East Central Minnesota. Today we are requesting help in reaching our Facilities Upgrades Initiative! We have already raised $10,000 towards this effort and need your help!

Read below for more details on each of our programs, and to view our 2020 Community Impact Statement. 

2021 Community Impact Statement

Alice Studt Library:

Housed within the Braham Event Center, the Alice Studt Library provides convenient access to library resources, including computers with wi-fi access and a printer and scanner, and free access to books and other materials. The library is also a link site with the East Central Minnesota Regional Library System. The Tusen Tack Programs Library, Arts, & Culture Committee schedules monthly community socials and book clubs.

Braham Area Food Shelf:

Also housed within the Braham Event Center, the Braham Area Food Shelf provides food and other items to the community every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In 2021, the food shelf distributed 57,528 pounds of food to 591 households and 1,541 individuals in our community. 

Braham Event Center:

The Braham Event Center, opened in 2014, serves as a community meeting place for East Central Minnesota. The center is primarily volunteer-run. The Braham Event Center has seen approximately 220,000 people through its doors, including 50 educational and non-profit organizations. In 2021, despite a start to the year with closure due to COVID, we provided a safe space for events and had approximately 18,000 people through our doors. 49.5% of our bookings in 2021 were free or discounted rentals to area non-profit partners.

Kathy's Kitchen:

Kathy's Kitchen, located at the Braham Event Center, is a completely volunteer-run commercial kitchen. In 2021, Kathy's Kitchen served over 10,850 meals in 152 events.  In 2022, we have already surpassed last year's total with a busy fall season ahead.

Tusen Tack Thrift Store:

The Tusen Tack Thrift Store sells donated goods and uses the proceeds to help fill unmet community needs.  Despite being closed for two months in 2020, sales were up 4% from 2019, with 13,410 customers through the doors and 7,756 volunteer hours. The Thrift Store Committee was able to continue with funding for school programs, food shelf, police and fire departments, Pie Day, Braham Appreciation Day, and other community programs.