Logo from Ronada Pierson
A year ago, on November 26, Ronada Pierson was on her way to work when she noticed homeless people under-dressed for the weather. She determined that there was a need in the community to help them during colder months. So she set out on a mission to collect coats, blankets and shoes to pass out weekly.
What started as a simple attempt to help those exposed to harsh temperatures expanded into a huge effort to bring compassion to Vicksburg.
Pierson believes people should be cared for and loved regardless of who they are or what they struggle with. “It’s not our place to judge,” she said. “At the end of the day, I know two things: it’s cold and they are human beings.”
She made a promise that she wouldn’t take any items to a shelter or profiting organization, so instead she and her coworker, Dawn Bell, personally handed them out to the homeless every Wednesday night. She’d also go to locations where she knew people slept and leave blankets and pillows.
“They were so thankful and appreciative for any little thing!”
“That inspired me to do more,” she went on. Eventually FEMA got involved and brought her several blankets that would be handed out in disasters.
Pierson and her late daughter, Kayden, would ride around with stuff in their trunks to give out to anyone they saw in need. “She played a big part in helping me sort through clothes and things. She was a take no sh#t kind of girl but her heart was pure gold,” said Pierson of her daughter.
Pierson’s love for Kayden is a force of nature on its own. Kayden inspired and assisted her mother throughout the entire process of building what has now become “Kayden’s Kloset.”
How a desire to help became something much greater
Kayden Acuff was nearly 21 years old when she sadly passed away in a car accident earlier this year. She is deeply loved by not only Pierson, but by her siblings, fiance, friends and family. Pierson has dedicated every day of her life since to keeping Kayden’s memory alive. Pierson continues to show her beautiful daughter that momma will always love her no matter what.
It’s a kind of love that transcends life and even death.
Memories of working hard together to help the homeless last year is what motivated Pierson to dedicate this drive for blankets and clothes to Kayden. Without the loving contributions Kayden made to these efforts, none of it would have been possible.
…And so Kayden’s Kloset was born.
“I like to make a difference and my daughter did too… so I’ll keep doing it in her honor so it can be another way that her name will live on, even in the hearts of strangers,” said Pierson.
“Kindness has never killed anyone,” she included, “but a lack of kindness has.”
Pierson says that it’s easy to be a decent person. “I’m not rich and the only way I can help them is to try and provide adequate clothing… It makes me happy to help, always has.”
Pierson will be running Kayden’s Kloset every year from this point on. “I hope that the difference it makes inspires others to do something that matters,” she added.
Driven by a love of helping others to thrive combined with a love for her daughter, Pierson is following her heart and asking that the community do the same.
To donate to Kayden’s Kloset, you can drop items off starting Wednesday, December 3.
Where to donate:
- Klondyke on 100 North Washington St
- Sunset Images and Tanning Salon at 3115 Halls Ferry Rd #A
- Milano’s at 1306 Washington St
- Farm Bureau Insurance at 1005, Mission Park Dr.
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