It’s no secret that people come to Shelter for Family Safety to escape dangerous situations. When safety is on the line, there isn’t always time to pack. Some clients arrive with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing when they left.
In those moments, something as simple as clean, well-fitting clothing can restore comfort and dignity. That’s why our shelter keeps a wide range of sizes on hand, so every guest can feel at ease as they begin their healing journey.
When the shelter faced an urgent need for clothing this month, staff acted quickly. They turned to Facebook and asked the community for help. Within hours, supporters across the state shared the post, gathered new and gently used items and searched for even more ways to give.
At our Sioux Falls Children Home campus, a residential youth counselor saw the request and shared it with her mom. That simple act sparked something bigger. Nicki Harrington, a reporter for the Dell Rapids City Journal, posted the need on Facebook. In Dell Rapids, community members quickly came together and organized a plan to help.
After learning about the shelter’s need, Padres Thrift Store, a volunteer-run shop in downtown Dell Rapids that benefits St. Mary’s parish, stepped up. Executive Director Connie Michel called Children’s Home Society’s Assistant Director of Development and Events Ashley Neeley and offered a discount, but that wasn’t all.
“Connie called and asked if Padres could help,” said Ashley. “She told me to come shop for what we needed and offered a 50% discount. Then she shared that someone had already agreed to cover the remaining cost. I was shocked! It was wonderful news!”
The following week, Ashley and Housekeeping Coordinator Keanna Hubner traveled to Dell Rapids to meet Connie and shop. They searched through every rack and selected clothing in the sizes that the shelter needed most. As the ladies shopped, volunteers folded the clothing and packed it into boxes.
As they prepared to leave with the clothing, Connie and other volunteers encouraged Ashley to reach out anytime the shelter faced another urgent need.
“It was so kind of Padres Thrift Store to help us,” said Ashley. “Many of our clients arrive with very little. Having clothing in all sizes helps our guests feel at ease and comfortable as they begin rebuilding their lives. I am blown away by the kindness and generosity this post inspired. It shows social media can truly be used for good!”
