Rapid City, South Dakota – Each winter, the downtown “City of Presidents” becomes a charitable hub as the city’s presidential statues are used as collection points for a long‑running clothing drive. Volunteers place bins at the foot of the statues, inviting residents to donate hats, gloves, scarves and other warm‑weather garments for those who struggle to stay warm during the harsh Black Hills winter.
Local tradition that blends history and generosity
The initiative, now in its second decade, was started by a coalition of local churches, civic groups and businesses who wanted to turn the city’s most recognizable landmarks into a symbol of community care. By positioning donation stations at the statues of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other former presidents, organizers create a visible reminder that caring for neighbors is a shared responsibility.
How the drive works
Donations are accepted from early November through the end of December. Volunteers staff the collection points during weekday mornings and evenings, ensuring that items are sorted and stored safely. Once the drive concludes, the gathered clothing is delivered to partner agencies such as the Rapid City Homeless Shelter, the Salvation Army and local churches that distribute the items directly to families in need.
Impact on the community
According to the organizing committee, the 2026 drive collected over 1,200 items, enough to provide winter gear for roughly 300 individuals. “Every hat, glove or scarf we receive helps a neighbor stay safe from frostbite and illness,” said Mary Jensen, a longtime volunteer and board member of the Rapid City Community Outreach Council. “When people see the statues adorned with donations, it reminds them that we’re all part of the same city family.”
Support from local businesses and faith groups
Local businesses have embraced the effort, offering discounts to donors and providing space for extra storage. Several faith‑based organizations have also promoted the drive through bulletins and social‑media posts, emphasizing the Christian principle of caring for the vulnerable. The collaboration underscores the city’s tradition of faith‑guided service and the importance of strong families supporting one another.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope to expand the program next year by adding additional collection sites at other historic landmarks and by increasing outreach to schools and youth groups. The goal is to make the clothing drive a year‑round reminder of Rapid City’s commitment to generosity, especially during the cold months when the need is greatest.
Residents who wish to contribute can drop off items at any of the presidential statues downtown or contact the Rapid City Community Outreach Council for details on alternative drop‑off locations.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
