A Little Goes A Long Way

by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
October 27, 2012 4:20 PM


A couple dozen people from all over the Sioux Empire were filling bags to fill a need Saturday. It all started as a birthday party years ago, and has grown into annual get together to help shelters.

It all began 11 years ago when one of the owners of Heirloom Creations in Sioux Falls felt like giving instead of receiving on her birthday.
   
So Sara Snuggerud got some friends together, and now every year on National Make A Difference Day, she and her customers gather for ‘Charity Gift Bag Day.’

"All year we've had people sewing these zipper bags and then also dropping off soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste,” said Sara Snuggerud, part owner of Heirloom Creations.

Store customers used scraps of fabric from the store sew the bags. They also use scraps taken out of out-of-date design books.
 
Then thousands of donated travel size products were packed up, and then sent out to shelters in Sioux Falls like The Banquet and Children’s Inn.

“You just don't realize how much the community needs these until you see what it takes. When we drop these off and they are like thank you, we were running out, or we ran out months ago,” said Snuggerud.

Saturday was Melania Barnes’ 4th year making and filling bags. She said after how blessed her life has been; she feels it wouldn’t be right to not give back.

"I'd like to give back to those who need some help. I think at any point in our lives, we all need a little help,” said Melania Barnes.

Six-year-old Ashley Tieszen came out to help with her grandma.She has already realized at her young age that not everyone may be as fortunate as she is.
 
"I'm here to help put the bags together because they are for people that don’t have that much stuff,” said Ashley Tieszen.

The volunteering is keeping late Senator George McGovern’s tradition of helping your community alive.

"My passion is when we do things for charity, that is stays in your community. And I know he has done a lot for that,” said Snuggerud.
 
The group beat their goal of last year's total of 1,200, filling nearly 1,700 bags Saturday.

For more information on how to help, you can visit their website .