We believe clean, well fitting clothing shouldn’t be a luxury, but something everyone should have access to, whenever needed. But on too many reservations, children head to school wearing clothes that are torn, too small, too dirty, or just worn too thin. We’ve seen kids in the dead of winter in flip-flops, mismatched shoes, shirts that don’t fit, and high water pants and slippers, getting soaking wet from rain and snow.
We’ve also seen the good intentions, the bags of used clothing dropped off in piles too overwhelming to sort through. We’ve seen them in piles rotting on peoples porches, filling up children’s bedrooms to the point no one can even walk in. Well meaning offerings of pounds and pounds and pounds of a wide assortment of clothing. Mens, women’s, children’s, summer, winter, jeans, used underwear, sweats, overly used socks, even lingerie. Believe me, we’ve seen it all. Random donations, shoved into large plastic bags, even contractor bags, that no none can lift of begin to sift through. Those who receive these bags don’t want to throw them away, but it’s too much to go through. So they sit there, being destroyed outside in the elements or taking up precious space in an already overcrowded home.
But we believe in coming a good way. In a way that is respectful and manageable, eliminating waste as much as possible and offering clothing that can be useful right away.
At Singing Feather Ministries, clothing distribution becomes a shopping experience, a moment that is dignified and treated as a gift.
Every bag of donated clothing that we receive is sorted through piece by piece. Only the best, most practical, nearly new items are chosen. Each item is washed, dried, folded, and packed into brand new sturdy boxes, labeled by gender, size, and item.
Only then do we deliver season appropriate clothing to a specific location where we can stay and help people find what they need. We don’t just leave them anywhere. We find trusted tribal members who share our heart, who understand this isn’t charity. And when the shopping experience is over, we offer to leave what’s left with our trusted point person or take it back with us for the next time. Often they choose the latter. No burdens, just blessings. And smiles all around!
