By Pam Russell Warder
Last month’s 3,000 Acts of Kindness community event was a potpourri of giving, care and smiles enough to lighten up the rather cloudy day.
The one-day event is a program of Coated in Love, a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide hope, help and resources to people experiencing homelessness, and to all in need. Coated in Love is an interfaith group dedicated to giving people in need dignity and hope, which is the theme of 3,000 Acts of Kindness.
The event was held on December 12 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Nearly 3,000 community residents were in attendance.
Over 500 volunteers came together to serve the guests and many sponsors, including the North Minneapolis Rotary Club, helped make it work.
Danielle Igbanugo, founder and president of Coated in Love, refers to the attendees as ‘guests.’ As guests arrived, they were greeted warmly at the welcome desk and paired with an escort that ushered them into a room filled with stations of more than 40 social service providers.
Individuals could receive warm winter jackets, hats and gloves for both kids and adults, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, backpacks, food items and an array of information about various services. YWAM Café handed out cookies and coffee throughout the day, and Chick-Fil-A served a complimentary lunch for everyone. Hair stylists also donated free hair services. There was a prayer and Bible table, and mHealth Fairview sponsored a mental health station for people who just needed to talk to someone. Good in the Hood/SoulCare provided foot care and Samaritan’s Feet, in partnership with Red Wing Shoes, distributed winter boots. Even pet owners could get treats for their furry companions.
Igbanugo is clear in discussing her faith. “God spoke to me and sent the people I would come to work with and the tasks we should undertake,” she said.
Then Igbanugo shared her vision of the team, and things were off and running.
Natalie Johnson Lee, a member of Northside Rotary and a board member of Coated in Love, echoes the spirituality among the team. “A small group of us came together initially. The vision for 3,000 Acts of Kindness basically came to us through prayer,” Johnson Lee said. When asked how the event was named Igbanugo said, “It takes at least 3,000 acts of kindness to care for the community.”
Coated in Love met last year with Mayor Jacob Frey, who helped them secure the space at the Convention Center.
The look and feel of the event was like a Christmas party. Guest tables were adorned with poinsettias, a live band played praise and worship music and Christmas classics, and families left with large bags of basic essentials. One could see families heading home along downtown streets, and into the Stevens Square and Elliot Park neighborhoods with arms full of goods. One participant, Johnnie, said, “Everywhere I go, there is chaos and fighting, and I walked in here and felt so much peace and happiness. Man, this is good.”
Coated in Love accepts donated items and financial contributions throughout the year. Donations are tax-deductible. To learn more visit coatedinlove.org.
Pam Russell Warder is a member of Rotary and a local writer of people and places.
Note: Rotary is a global service organization that unites people from all continents and cultures who take action to deliver real, long-term solutions to our world’s most persistent issues. Our North Minneapolis Club focuses primarily on literacy, maternal health and wellness, peace and conflict resolution.
Ready to get more involved in the North Minneapolis Rotary and help support our vibrant, thriving, and diverse community? We meet online every Tuesday by Zoom from 7:35-8:35 a.m. and we welcome Northside businesspeople and professionals to get involved. We are also always looking for guest speakers who are making a difference in our community. Contact us at northmplsrotary@gmail.com to request the link.