Rapid City group organizes winter gear drive during ‘No Kings’ rally

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - A grassroots organization is collecting winter clothing donations for vulnerable community members as federal budget cuts affect programs across South Dakota.

Indivisible Rapid City organized a winter gear donation drive during a Saturday protest to support Good Medicine Lodge. The group is seeking new or gently used hats, gloves, socks, coats and blankets.

The “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” passed by Congress last year cut funding for programs including SNAP assistance, Medicaid coverage and student loan programs. Organizers say working families are feeling the impact.

Rapid City resident Carol said, “I can’t believe I wake up in the morning, and I read the news, and it just keeps getting worse and worse, and I wonder where’s the humanity in the republican party, and I know there’s some good republicans out there, but I just feel like we need to take a stand.”

The group collected boxes of clothing during the protest event.

Indivisible Rapid City Co-Chair Nicole said, “We’ve had a big response, we have boxes and boxes of clothing, our protestors today really came out, and were very generous, and it warms my heart that they care about our community.”

Organizers said the effort represents community resilience when federal support decreases.

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