Clothing Drives in Sioux Falls for Winter 2009

It was a cold October this year, and it's only going to gets better. Can you imagine being unable to purchase warm clothing for yourself...or worse, for your children in a South Dakota winter? There are people who are forced to face this literally chilling reality every year. If helping warm someones hands this winter warms your heart, there are plenty of ways you can help.

Coats for Kids

Each year, Lewis Drug collects new and gently used coat donations in the Coats for Kids drive. Following donation, each coat is cleaned by Shipley's Garment Spa Cleaners and Launders before being distributed to families with children in need of winter coats by the Salvation Army. The 2009 Coats for Kids drive runs through November 26^th, and are accepted at all Sioux Falls locations, as well as at Lewis Drug locations in Brandon, Brookings, Madison and Huron. Remember, the coats don't have to be new, just in good condition.

Center of Hope

Center of Hope is a wonderful organization in Sioux Falls that has made providing winter clothes to needy families at little to no cost a yearly practice. Anything from coats to scarves to boots to sweaters, anything that could keep you warm when the cold winter hits makes an acceptable donation. The Center of Hope limits the amount of clothing that can be obtained by an individual or family, to try to reach more families without leaving anyone in the cold. Donated clothing can be for children or adults, and is asked to be new or in gently used, but good condition. If you would like to donate to the Center of Hope, bring any items you wish to donate to 3328 N Cliff Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104. If you have questions about what can be donated, please visit Center of Hope's website or call 605-334-9789.

If you're looking for an opportunity to donate items or time, but aren't sure what you'd like to donate, or what you have to give that might be worth something to someone in need, please visit www.humanlikeyou.com. The website gives basic information about the homeless population in Sioux Falls, along with other information about people who may not be homeless but still have needs they are unable to meet on their own. As you surf around the site, you may find a different category you can donate to, or a way to give your time as the Holiday season approaches.