Our Story

Our mission at Winona's Angels is simple: to bring joy, love, and support to families facing hardship throughout our community. Founded in 2016 by Alycia, we are a community-based nonprofit that pairs families in need with generous sponsors who are eager to help during the holiday season.

Over the years, we've grown from a one-person effort into a dedicated team, each bringing unique skills, passion, and commitment to making a difference. Our journey began with one belief: that no child or family should be left behind during the holidays. Thanks to our incredible sponsors and volunteers, we have helped make the season brighter for nearly 100 families each year, and we look forward to continuing that tradition.

As our organization grows, so does our vision. While our holiday assistance program remains at the heart of what we do, Winona's Angels is expanding its efforts to support our community year-round through new outreach initiatives designed to bring people together and help neighbors support one another.

One of these new programs is Tech Buddies, a volunteer-driven initiative that connects community members with friendly, patient helpers who can assist with everyday technology challenges. Whether someone needs help setting up a new television, accessing email, learning how to use a smartphone, navigating online services, or simply understanding today's rapidly changing technology, Tech Buddies provides a trusted source of support and connection.

This is just the beginning. We are developing additional programs that share the same core mission: building stronger community connections, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for people to help one another. By expanding our services beyond the holiday season, we hope to make a lasting impact throughout the year while continuing to spread kindness, compassion, and hope to those who need it most.

Meet our team

Meet Our Team While our mission remains unchanged, the faces behind Winona’s Angels have grown. What began as one person's vision is now a passionate and dedicated team working together to bring holiday cheer to those who need it most. Our team includes:

Alycia (Founder): The heart and soul behind Winona's Angels, Alycia founded this group back in 2016 with a clear vision — helping families in need experience the joy of the season. Her dedication and drive continue to inspire our work today.

Amie (Lead Coordinator): The glue that holds everything together. As Lead Coordinator, she manages our family and sponsor pairings, ensuring that every family is matched with the right sponsor and that all gift requests are fulfilled. Her attention to detail and care for each family’s unique needs make her a key part of our success.

Heather (Marketing & Social Coordinator): The creative force behind our marketing efforts, working tirelessly to raise awareness for our cause and engage with the community through social media, campaigns, and events. She ensures that everyone knows about the amazing work we do and how they can get involved.

Justin (Information Technology): Handles all things technical, ensuring that our website and online systems run smoothly. His work behind the scenes allows us to manage our growing list of sponsors and families efficiently and securely.