Holy Cross students help with coat, mitten project

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
November 3, 2005

As the weather conditions transition from fall-like to winter temperatures, this is the time of year when people are pulling out their winter coats and accessories. For some children in Sioux City, their options for winter wear are limited and in some cases non-existent.

Kelly Solsma, a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church in Sioux City, started a project called Warm Hands, Warm Hearts that can help. She began the project in 1996, so this is her tenth year in promoting the project.

"It started with mittens and gloves and then people offered to give scarves and coats. It kept growing," she explained. "Now it includes mittens and winter items - encompassing anything that would keep you warm in the winter."

Warm Hands, Warm Hearts accepts both new and gently used items.

Solsma pointed out that she started the project in memory of an uncle who had been instrumental in helping homeless people in the Denver and Minneapolis areas.

"I was reading about him, unfortunately after he died, but that is what prompted me to become active in something like that," she said. "It started as a mitten drive and has literally snow-balled from there."

In the first year, about 100 items were collected and since that time it has grown to over 1,000 items.

She mentioned that in the first couple of years she sought donations primarily from parishioners at Blessed Sacrament, but within a couple of years it became an effort that was also promoted through the school.

For the first time, this year students at Holy Cross School-Blessed Sacrament Center are taking on more of a leadership role in the project.

Carol Sundquist, seventh and eighth grade teacher, mentioned that students involved in student council are helping with the project.

"A lot of these children may choose to come to school without a coat, mittens or sweatshirt - but that's their choice. They now realize that some children do not have a choice - have nothing warm to put on," she said.

Elizabeth Heffernan, eighth-grade student council representative, said she liked being involved with the project because it helps other children.

"We have so much, so we need to give to others," she said. "We made posters and hung them throughout the school and then encourage other students to give their old winter hats and coats to others."

Nate Burger, sixth-grade student council representative, explained that along with the posters, they have tried to inform others about this project by including information about it in a parent newsletter.

Involvement in the program, he noted, "makes me feel good."

Chloe Cambach, seventh-grade student council representative, pointed out that they not only made posters for the Blessed Sacrament Center, but did the same for Holy Cross' St. Michael Center.

"It helps you to feel better, knowing that you are helping people who are less fortunate. It's good just to be involved," she said.

Rachel Holtorf, sixth grade teacher, pointed out that with the students knowing that these winter items would help other children right in Sioux City made a difference.

"They didn't realize that there were kids in Sioux City that didn't have these winter things that they take for granted," she said.

Holtorf added that this project tied in well with the Gospel value that they studied during the first quarter - compassion.

Sundquist mentioned that they take part in a variety of service projects. This helps instill the need to serve others.

After the items have been collected at Holy Cross School, they will be turned over to Solsma to distribute. Through the years, she has developed relationships with about 10 schools and two organizations in the city.

The schools and organizations are appreciative of the winter items because they are so much needed. She had heard that one child that received a coat from the project had been wearing a coat that was held together with bread twist ties.

She will distribute coats and other items later this month, but will keep collecting and distributing them throughout the winter.

If people are interested in donating items or helping with the project, they can contact Solsma at (712) 232-1010 or (712) 251-4759.