Workers stood outside on Louise Avenue in Sioux Falls Sunday morning, holding signs advertising the "going out of business" sale at Linens N' Things in sub-zero temperatures. 

But one citizen drove by the store and was concerned about their well-being.

Around 11:00 Sunday morning, a concerned KELOLAND resident noticed five workers along Louise Avenue standing in the cold holding sale signs. 

"The issue is that we have somebody in this community that is putting some people at risk," said the citizen, who asked to remain anonymous.  "And it's not right. They shouldn't be putting these people in that environment."

He says he spoke with Linens 'N' Things, but was told the sign holders are hired by an independent contractor and do not work directly for the company. The man then spoke with the contractor, who listened to his concerns and referred him to his boss. 

"In his opinion, they weren't in any harm or any danger," said the citizen.  "He did say that they're out there trying to generate money for your store and your liquidation. That's when I came out and said, 'I'm not with the store.' He said, 'who are you?' I say, 'I'm just a citizen.' He said, 'you're a concerned citizen?' I said, 'yes, I'm a concerned citizen about these people.' Then he said, 'well, I don't care what you think.' and then he hung up."

After that exchange, the resident says he took the workers to Union Gospel Mission in downtown Sioux Falls, a place where the workers had reportedly been staying for food and shelter. The Mission says anyone who needs shelter is welcome. 

"That's just normal, everyday routine," said Fran Stenberg, executive director of Union Gospel Mission.  "People come in and out all the time here, so when it's cold, it doesn't make a difference who it is. They can come here and get in and warm up."

Before dropping them off, the man says he paid each of the five workers the $40 salary they would have earned on the job this afternoon. He says he hopes everyone involved takes more responsibility next time around. 

"I have no qualms about people holding signs and liquidating their merchandise," said the citizen.  "That's perfectly fine. But not to the extent where somebody could get hurt." 

We spoke with the independent contractor's boss by phone Sunday evening. He said he had no comment