By Lexi MooreDuring the holidays the charitable spirit shines brighter than the rest of the year, but for Hills resident Catherine Fikse that spirit begins shining in September.Catherine uses her sewing talents to help children stay warm. Thursday she traveled to the Center of Hope in Sioux Falls to distribute 45 handmade fleece blankets to children that visit the center.She began sewing the blankets in September and finished in early December. Although she has donated blankets in the past, this was the first year Catherine was able to give the children the blankets herself."Those kids were really excited," she said. "They were all holding out their arms for blankets."The Center of Hope is a resource for families in the Sioux Falls area who need help meeting their needs. The center provides winter clothing, bicycles for transportation to work and Internet and telephone access for families.In addition, families receives spiritual support by building relationships through ministries.Fred Wilgenburg, who heads up Urban Outreach/Native American Indian Ministries, describes Center for Hope as "a frontline ministry that meets people right where they are."
