2022 Warm a Neighbor Project

Warm a Neighbor Project

Together, Let’s Warm our Neighbor this Winter

Since 2015, we have partnered with area businesses to focus on our Warm a Neighbor Project. We continue to work with amazing partners in the community and grateful to welcome back, Coffea Roasterie, Billions Automotive, Hy-Vee and NyBerg’s Ace, including their new Dakota Work Wear location. All of these businesses have graciously agreed to be drop off locations as we collect items to warm our community.  See flip boxes below for drop off locations.

Most of the warm winter items are distributed to clients at Caminando Juntos. Caminando Juntos is Spanish for “walking together”, and is our Sponsored Hispanic Ministry in the Sioux Falls area. Their primary purpose is to help create a welcoming presence and respond to the needs of the newer Latino immigrants as they seek to integrate into this culture and make a home among us.

It has been found that many of the Hispanic people who relocate to Sioux Falls are not prepared for the harshness of the winter climate. They do not have warm gloves, mittens, hats, or scarves to wear. We ask the community for help to provide cold weather accessories for the men, women and children who visit the ministry center for assistance.

Here are a few stories from Caminando Juntos of how much these warm winter items are appreciated, and Inspire Hope!

“A young couple came looking for gloves. They were walking and it was a cold and snowy day. We were able to give them some gloves and the girl was really excited that we had some new shoes, as the ones she had were really wet and old. They were so grateful.”

“It was the end of the day and a pregnant woman and her little girl came to our ministry. They walked to come to our ministry, even getting lost before finding our office. They needed some assistance. We provided them with hats, gloves, scarfs, blanket and shoes. They were really happy. That moment was so heartwarming.”

Caminando Juntos, which began in 2002, continues to grow as the population in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area becomes more diverse. The services provided include:

• Assistance to accessing healthcare, education, legal and social service systems.
• Accompaniment of women and children in abusive relationships.
• Visitation to homes, hospitals and state penitentiary.
• Education through English classes and citizenship preparation.
• Provision of immigration counseling and services by an Accredited Immigration Specialist
• Promotion of human rights for Latinos.

This past year, warm winter items were also shared with the Coats for Kids drive in Aberdeen as we partnered with North Highland United Methodist Church. If you or anyone you know needs warm items this winter, please reach out to our Mission Development Office in Sioux Falls at (605) 271-0468. Together, let us welcome and warm our neighbors with true hospitality.