Living a Life of Service and Philanthropy

Peggy Carlson still remembers standing on a downtown St. Cloud street corner at just five years old, clutching a March of Dimes donation canister in the bitter winter cold. Her older brother had polio, and the March of Dimes had supported her family through difficult times. She never questioned why she was there—helping simply felt natural.

As she grew older, that early experience blossomed into deeper service. Peggy became the teen chair for the March of Dimes, inspired by watching her parents give generously of their time through their church and community organizations. Her father often reminded her, “If you have a gift to meet a God given need, just do it.”

Peggy and her husband, Chuck Nielsen, have carried that philosophy into adulthood. Their volunteer work and philanthropy eventually connected them with Mae Ellingson Skalicky, benefactor of Clara’s House, and Benedict and Dorothy Gorecki, benefactors of the Gorecki Guest House. Through many conversations with these mentors, Peggy and Chuck realized they were no longer simply “donors”—they were becoming true philanthropists.

Today, they strive to pass that legacy forward, modeling generosity for their grandchildren and helping them understand why they serve their congregation and community.

“We are very blessed and believe it is important to make giving a priority by sharing what we have with others,” Peggy reflects. “I hope I can be the mentor to others that Mae and the Goreckis were for me.”

To learn more about legacy gifts, contact foundation@centracare.com or 320-240-2810.