Minneapolis Sex Shop Turns Into Community Relief Center

A Minneapolis sex shop is proving that community support can come from the most unexpected places.

Smitten Kitten, an adult toy store in Uptown Minneapolis, has transformed its space into a donation center. The shop is collecting diapers, food, clothes, and essential supplies for families affected by recent ICE operations in the Twin Cities.

"We're just trying to make sure that everybody's fed, every baby has a diaper on them that's clean, and has baby formula," said Mikayla, a shop representative. Volunteers now organize supplies where adult products once stood, creating what staff jokingly call "Diaper Mountain."

The shop's response goes beyond collecting goods. They're raising thousands of dollars through their social media platform, sharing donation campaigns and directly funding families who can't work or afford rent.

"We've been filling them up, a couple grand at a time," Mikayla explained. "We've been trying to help people get their rent paid from not being able to work, get food in their refrigerator."

This isn't the store's first time stepping up. In December, they raised over $18,000 in donations for Isuroon, a nonprofit supporting Somali women in Minnesota. The campaign secured immigration attorneys for over 500 local families.

Workers share daily updates on Instagram, asking their followers to support specific families in need. One staffer opened a video saying, "Usually we're an adult store, but today we're gonna be pushing Venmos of families that need resources immediately."

The Ripple Effect

Smitten Kitten's efforts have sparked wider community action. Neighboring businesses like Wrecktangle Pizza have joined the movement to feed vulnerable residents. Volunteers now stand outside the shop to protect people coming and going.

The grassroots organizing has caught national attention. Influencer Jess Olivia Fox shared their work with her followers, saying community solidarity matters now more than ever.

"Right now, community and coming together and helping each other is probably the most important thing we can focus on," Fox said in her video amplifying their efforts.

The shop's Instagram page has become a hub for connecting people who need help with those wanting to provide it.

Communities nationwide are watching Minneapolis neighbors prove that solidarity can emerge from anywhere, even a sex shop on the corner of Lyndale and Lake Streets.