Grassroots

By experiencing the smiles and sheer joy on the people's faces that she assists, Sylvia Reese can fill a void from her childhood where compassion was rare, hope was slim, and gifts non-existent. She understands and empathizes with those in need and has come to her calling as a community organizer and founder of the organization Minnesota Blessings Supportive Services, which is a nonprofit that began in 2020, in Minneapolis MN. Though Sylvia preserves in her daily, she still finds the time to reach hundreds of families every year since her mission began.

“After George Floyd, was murdered, and the riots began”, Sylvia recalls, “People were in such desperate need of help as many of them were immobile with no supplies available. I had to do something”. Sylvia immediately began collecting donations and was able to set up a store in her backyard that was open 7 days a week and available to all in need. When the dust settled a bit, after those tragic days, the need for help, was still very prevalent and She couldn't just turn away from the still outreached hands. With Sylvia's unprecedented ability to connect with others, due to her kind, humble and genuine nature, she can aid and build in her community in leaps and bounds.

Included in some of Sylvia's big accomplishments; have been everything from over 100 hams and easter baskets on Easter, to over 250 families this last year for her adopting a family program at Christmas time. Over 200 children received toys this last Christmas that otherwise wouldn’t have. Amongst other recipients of these generous sponsorships over the years, have been; Mentally disabled, Domestic abuse survivors, people in recovery, families affected by house fires and families dealing with poor health, or even just plain and simple come across hard times. By running a Facebook page called NorthSide Blessings, she can provide lists of families to choose from. Anything from, clothes, toys, laptops, hospital bills, and daycare expenses being covered to rent getting paid, have all been provided through some of these loving sponsorships.

Sylvia is outstanding at what she does and continues to grow her ability to spread her kindness farther and farther with each passing year, with the continued support of her community.