Volunteers hand out items, offer help to Minneapolis homeless population

Hennepin County is seeing an increase in families experiencing homelessness, and volunteers are trying to help through the 3,000 Acts of Kindness event, which is happening until 3 p.m. Monday.

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People can come to the Minneapolis Convention Center to experience different stations, where they can grab gently used or new shoes and coats to help them stay warm this winter.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS previewed the event Sunday, and word has traveled about the event. A line was out the door when a 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS crew arrived Monday morning.

Last year, about 900 people came through and event organizers are expecting to double or even triple that figure this year.

In addition to clothing, there’s also a foot-washing station for anyone who may need that before putting on a new pair of boots.

“I just felt really called, I saw the need we all did — my team and I, and we just wanted to do something about it and what we could,” said Danielle Igbanugo, the founder of 3,000 Acts of Kindness and Coated in Love. “We can’t do everything, but we can certainly do our part.”

RELATED: Cold weather fuels efforts to help unsheltered Minnesotans

Red Wing Shoes donated 500 pairs, and there are also 40 social service agencies at the event to provide information on topics such as jobs, housing and various treatment options.

“The kindness in their heart, the people that help people, is truly a good thing because I really need it,” said Troy, who received new boots at the event. “It means a lot to me I thank God for this event and for the opportunity.”

Lunch and gift bags are also available, and bags can be filled with a new winter coat, hoodie, boots, hat, socks, underwear and toiletries.

This is the second year of the 3,000 Acts of Kindness at the convention center, which is hosted by “Coated in Love.”

The event is put on by roughly 200 volunteers.