Warm The Children (WTC), a nonprofit program that provides new winter clothing to eligible children, has been providing services to children in need for 28 years.
“This is a much-needed program for our community,” said Nancy Brandner, WTC coordinator. “And the community recognizes that.”
Already this year, WTC has received donations from two service clubs, and funds have reached 35% of the $80,000 goal for 2024, said Brandner.
This program is for low-income families and the children in those families.
“Not only are they receiving winter clothing, it’s new, high-quality and name brand,” she said. “For parents, maybe circumstances dictate whether to pay bills and utilities, or get new clothing, and this program allows their children to be provided for without added stress.”
WTC is sponsored by the Vilas County News-Review under the auspices of the Eagle River Rotary Foundation. All donations are used to purchase clothing for the children and the NewsReview picks up all administrative costs.
Shopping is taking place at Glik’s in Eagle River and Northland Clothing Co. in Three Lakes. Shopping started Nov. 2 and will run through mid-December.
Children under age 2 are allowed $130 to spend, and children ages 2 to 17 years old are allowed to spend up to $260.
“Shopping just started, and just in time considering some chilly weather, snow and frost we’ve already had,” Brandner said. “Because of the generosity of residents, year-round and seasonal, service organizations, businesses and local clubs, we were able to increase the spending for this year.
“We also know that there are more foster children in Vilas County this year, so for these families who are caring for children not their own, at least we can help with one aspect of that,” she added.
Shoppers are always needed and are an integral part of the program.
Brandner noted that each year the program serves approximately 500 children and, so far, 232 children are scheduled to be shopped for.
“Some of those are an only child, and some are part of families that have up to six children,” Brandner said. “I have shoppers that are willing to take these larger families, and some shoppers take one child for the season.
“I am grateful for each and every one of them. I’ve already had four more people volunteer to be a shopper this year. As shoppers, the volunteer gets to see the impact this program is making firsthand,” she said.
For more information about becoming a shopper or making a donation, call Nancy at 715-479-4421.
Donations appreciated
The program relies solely on the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses
“Every donation, no matter how large or small, is greatly appreciated. Donations can be made in memory of or in honor of loved ones,” said Brandner.
Checks can be made out to “Warm The Children” and mailed to the Vilas County News-Review, P.O. Box 1929, Eagle River, WI 54521 or dropped off at the News-Review office, located at 425 Mill St. in Eagle River. Online donations can be made at vcnewsreview.com on the home page.
Monetary donations are tax-deductible and are under the auspices of the Eagle River Rotary Club Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity.
In addition to anonymous donors, contributions from the following were received through Nov. 4:
Eagle River: Charles and Lynette Check; Sue Schaab Kent; Dan and Alice Kramer; Mike and Diane Reimer; Kurt and Deb Rekau; and Doug and Julie Ross.
Land O’ Lakes: Paul and Carol Steinbrecher.
Sayner: Charles and Nancy McGee.
Three Lakes: Dennis and Sherri Gloede; and Gene and Lisa Pepp.
Other Wisconsin cities: Ken and Martha Turner, Marinette; and Steve and Lori Dunphy, Kaukauna.
Out of State: Don and Jan Kobyleski, Batavia, Ill.
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