Chippewa Valley Street Ministry
December 22, 2024
The holidays are nearly here, and we wish you all the Happiest of Holidays and a joyful New Year! We look forward to continuing to serve our unhoused community with your support. With much hope, luck, and work, perhaps we'll see a decline in the need for services.
While many of us enjoy the preparations and activities this holiday season brings, it is important to remember that not everyone can enjoy the festivities. There may not be joy in the colorful sparkling lights or the packages carried by on the sidewalk. In previous years, we have heard that these days are just like any other day, and priorities of warmth and food have to be the primary concern rather than celebrating. We aren't discouraging anyone from celebrating — if you celebrate, please enjoy yourself! Keep the people we serve in your thoughts and send some positivity their way.
We served in the area's first measurable snow on Thursday, 12/19/2024. One of our visitors came over with a shovel and helped us clear an area in which to set up. Once we started, a man came wearing worn-out tennis shoes without socks. We had boots and thick, warm socks to provide for him. A woman came in a summer, spaghetti-strap shirt asking for a hoodie as she had gotten sick over her other clothing. There were many requests for gloves — we need XL and larger gloves. Please note our updated needs list for other needs. One man told us that without the items we provide, he's certain that people would not survive spending the nights outside. Please know that it's not us that provides that safety — it's the donations from you that we distribute that keep people safe.
From our "family" to yours, please enjoy the upcoming holiday season. Be safe, and take care of yourself and yours. Thank you for your support.
CVSM staff
Our Needs List has been updated, please take a peek.
We gladly accept new AND gently used items.
*Please be sure any used items are clean and in good condition.*
## Extra large gloves (+ larger!) and mittens ##
Financial donations - we purchase city bus passes regularly to provide to the people we serve for transportation to work, appointments, and general use. These are costly to purchase in the quantity that we need. We also purchase items that are not donated and are limited in our stock.
Hoodies - these are needed year-round. We need hoodies in sizes L, XL, XXL, and larger
Sweatpants - People will layer sweatpants over jeans or other pants. We need sweatpants in sizes L and larger
