Jessica Stölen
Editor
jstolen-jacobson@cherryroad.com

Two community members with a shared vision recently opened a new opportunity for those in need to have access to essential hygiene and cleaning products. The idea began in October when Angie Kveene asked a question on social media about whether there was any kind of organization that offered this specific access in Montevideo. “The food shelf has food and some other things but there’s not really a place you can go to just get hygiene and cleaning essentials,” says Kveene.

After thinking about it for awhile, Kveene had a conversation with Teleah Wellnitz, who offered the idea that the two of them take on organizing such a place. “We met and thought it through and made a list of stuff that we would need and places we could set it up that wouldn’t cost a lot of money,” Kveene said. “I actually asked my sister and she let us set up at her office in the back area where they hold Just for Kix dance classes.”

The two named the organization “From Our Hearts” and have been open one Sunday per month for those in need to visit the set-up located inside the Cornerstone Chiropractic Office to pick up items. For the first open date, the two collected items by asking for donations on social media, as well as by purchasing items themselves. Kveene notes that people have been generous, even dropping off donations by meeting her in her driveway. They opened the first Sunday in December. “That first Sunday nobody came, so we did a little more pushing of stuff on Facebook and I handed out fliers at a Care Collaborative meeting that I am a part of,” Kveene said.

“When we opened again in January we had people show up so we kept track of what they took and crossed it off our inventory list to make a list of what’s needed for the upcoming opening.”

The next open date is scheduled for this Sunday, February 16th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. While the effort has mostly thus far been by word of mouth and through social media, Kveene hopes that the interest will continue to grow. “We hope to make this bigger,” she said.

The two have a full list of inventory needed on their From Our Hearts Facebook page, as well as an Amazon wish list that is linked to the page, along with a Venmo link to donate for purchasing items. Those wishing to donate items in person can arrange to do so by contacting them through the page, or by email at angela0719elizabeth@gmail.com

Items needed include things like baby wipes, toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo and conditioner, bandages, laundry detergent, laundry baskets, reusable bags and more.

There are no requirements for people who need the items to visit the open dates. “It’s just my hope that people who genuinely cannot afford to get this stuff come in and can get what they need,” says Kveene. She also notes that if someone cannot make it in to the open hours but needs items, they can reach out and the two will arrange a meet-up or delivery. They also want people to now that it’s not only free, but anonymous. “Nobody needs to know you were there, even though there’s no shame in coming there. Some people don’t want anyone to know they’re in a spot like that,” she said.