Bonfe Cares: Keep Our Neighbors Warm Winter Clothing Drive Update
Winter in the Twin Cities can be harsh, especially for those facing homelessness and financial insecurity. As part of our Keep Our Neighbors Warm clothing drive, Bonfe technicians have been collecting essential winter wear from customers while at their home for service. We’ve partnered with nine local schools and organizations to distribute these items to those in our community who are facing challenging circumstances.
To date, Bonfe customers have donated more than 650 coats, plus snow pants and boots, and we’re still going! Thank you, Bonfe customers, for your generosity and care.
When we distribute items to our partner organizations, we hear from them about the significant impact these donations have on the physical and emotional well-being of the folks who receive them.
Julie Campanelli, the Homeless Liaison for School District 196 (Rosemount-Eagen-Apple Valley), works to provide community resources and transportation services for children and their families. “Students who are homeless experience a lot of challenges and are at significant risk of academic problems. It’s hard to do your best at school when you are not sleeping in your own bed at night. They need basic items to get through their housing difficulties.”
The benefits of adequate winter attire extend beyond offering physical warmth. Anna Gerdeen, the Director of North Minneapolis’ Camden Collective, describes the ripple effect that providing warm clothing can have on vulnerable populations.
“Winter clothing enables individuals to participate in all aspects of winter life without being excluded due to inadequate attire. Especially for school-aged children, this can help with feelings of belonging and mental well-being.”
The schools and organizations Bonfe has partnered with have all expressed a similar message: At the end of the day, everyone wants to know that they are seen and valued.
“A friendly gesture can brighten someone’s day, help restore their dignity, and fight against isolation” says Campanelli, “and a community coming together to support someone in need provides hope, not only for that person, but for the community as a whole. We all benefit.”
Thank you to all who have helped contribute to our Keep Our Neighbors Warm drive. Every donation helps! We will continue to collect donations through November 30. To learn more about our partner organizations and additional ways you can help, visit bonfe.com/bonfecares.