Rochester Businesses Collecting Donations to Support Families Affected by ICE Activity

As the ICE takeover continues across Minnesota, many people in and around Rochester, MN are still afraid for their safety and are scared to leave their homes.

In response to this, a couple of businesses in our community have decided to step up and collect donations at their stores to help these families during their time of need.

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Rochester, MN Businesses Collecting Donations

One business that is collecting donations is TerraLoco.

On Sunday, TerraLoco shared on their social media that they are collecting donations for COPAL (Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action) families who are affected by ICE's presence in the area.

TerraLoco wrote, "One of the most important roles we have in this is amplifying messages & bringing people together."

In just a couple of days, they have collected TONS of donations, but, of course, the need is still there. They mentioned yesterday that they'll keep people updated on what is most needed on their social media. As of writing this, they're still collecting donations for larger size diapers, wipes, formula, toilet paper, and small size laundry/soap detergent.

Another business in town that's collecting donations is Griot Arts.

Griot is collecting donations for Pamoja Women, a non-profit in Rochester that supports "East African Women and their families to overcome barriers and to provide opportunities for women."

Donations are being collected at Griot on Wednesday, January 28th, and Friday, January 30th, from 11 AM to 6 PM. If you aren't able to make it either of those days, you can also bring donations directly to Pamoja Women at 829 3rd Ave SE, Ste. 205 in Rochester on Tuesdays, 8:30 AM -1:00 PM and Wednesdays, 11 AM - 1 PM.

They're looking for food donations to support Pamoja Women's food pantry and deliveries. Right now, they're looking for donations of the following:

Rice (basmati and white long grain)
Spaghetti, Pasta
Flour, Cassava flour
Sandwich bread
Sugar
Black tea bags
Cooking essentials: cooking oil, salt, Maggi (halal chicken bouillon)
Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, peppercorns (whole preferred), turmeric, garlic, ginger
Proteins: canned tuna, canned chicken, beans (black, red, pinto, dry lentils

Be kind to others and help out a neighbor if you can.