SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It’s a simple act with a powerful message — walking one mile from downtown Sioux Falls all the way to the St. Francis House.

“We take that mile walk carrying 15 pounds of a variety of items that we can share with the other agencies. It really gives you time to reflect like, ‘Wow, what am I going home to after this?'”, St. Francis House CEO Julie Becker said.

Participants packed items like canned food and hygiene products into their bags before the St. Francis House’s 8th annual ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ walk. The donations were collected by volunteers at the end.

“I also believe that to raise awareness for those that are hungry, those that are homeless, we’re all in this together and we all need to support each other,” Steve Farley said.

Each step honored those currently battling homelessness. It also remembered the ones no longer here.

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“We read the names of individuals who are either homeless upon their death or homeless at some time in their life, as well as employees or providers that were true champions for the homeless,” Becker said. “It’s a moment that we can just honor them for being a person in our community that needed our help. And we were here for them.”

Last year, over 200 backpacks were collected. Next Tuesday, the St. Francis House will share some of Saturday’s donated items with other nonprofits in town.

The St. Francis House is also looking for food donations for its 30 days of giving challenge through the end of this month. You can learn more about how to donate here.