Homeless Memorial Day - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

Homeless Memorial Day

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Dozens of people die each year in Wyoming without anyone to pay tribute to their lives. Friday, people gathered in Cheyenne to do just that. It was the annual Homeless Memorial Day service in front of the State Capitol. This memorial is put on each year by the Wyoming Coalition of the Homeless.

"We set aside today, the first day of winter, to remember the homeless," said Governor Matt Mead. "Those who have passed and those that are still homeless. And to think about what each of us can do and what we can do as a community to help those who are less fortunate."

Wyoming Coalition of the Homeless is run by all volunteers. If you'd like to give your time to this organization here are some opportunities:

  • Volunteers are urgently needed to work weekends and holidays at the Welcome Mat Day Center. Volunteers check in clients, make sure things run smoothly, answer questions, make referrals and other duties. Groups are encouraged to participate.
  • Make sleeping bags for homeless children and adults. Patterns and kits are available.
  • Teach classes for Art From the Streets Empowerment programs
  • Keep the food pantry and clothing closet organized
  • Help with annual "WALK IN MY SHOES" fundraiser
  • Teach classes related to resumes, job skills, life skills
  • Pick up donations and food bank orders
  • Help with building and yard maintenance
  • Run errands
  • Write grants and develop fundraising projects

    • If you'd like to donate items, here's a list of what is needed:

  • Coffee, oatmeal, cup of soup, cup of noodles, tuna or chicken salad kits and other microwavable individual size meals.
  • Special foods are needed for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas and gifts are needed for those coming into the WCH Welcome Mat during the Christmas holiday.
  • Napkins, paper towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Clorox, Lysol cleaner
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Band aids
  • Combs/ brushes
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Foot powder
  • Disposable Razors
  • Reading glasses
  • Toothbrushes/tooth paste
  • PLEASE NO MOUTH WASH, SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, BATH SOAP, LOTIONS
  • Pens - black or blue only
  • NO PENCILS PLEASE
  • Camping gear
  • STARTING IN JULY 2011 AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE NO CLOTHING IS BEING ACCEPTED AT EITHER LOCATION.

    • You can take items to their office at 907 Campbell. They are open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.