The 2026 Warm The Children season is underway, with shopping for children’s winter clothing set to begin this coming Saturday, Nov. 7.

Thanks to the generosity of early donors, the program has received $34,322 as of Oct. 30 toward this year’s fundraising goal of $110,000. Nancy Brandner, Warm The Children program coordinator, is managing donations.

“Every donation, large or small, moves us closer to that goal and closer to making sure local children are warm this winter,” Brandner said.

In coordination with Rotary, a number of area stores, organizations and volunteers band together to make this program possible each year.

Applications for shopping vouchers opened on Sept. 28, and are available on the Rotary club’s website at eagleriverrotary.com, at the Vilas County News-Review’s new office at 701 N. Railroad St. in Eagle River, and at area schools.

Completed applications are forwarded to Vilas County Human Services for review on a first-come, first-served basis. Once approved, families are connected with a volunteer shopper who accompanies them as they select winter clothing for their children at Glik’s in Eagle River or Northland Clothing Company in Three Lakes.

Shopping vouchers are provided in the amount of $220 for children ages 2 through 17 and $110 for children younger than age 2. Thanks to these discounts offered by Glik’s and Northland Clothing, a $220 voucher typically provides approximately $275 worth of winter clothing at retail prices.

Shopping begins Nov. 7 and continues through Saturday, Dec. 12. Debbie Buss is coordinating the shopping trips, and additional volunteer shoppers are always welcome.

Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more may contact Buss at 715-891-9235.

Warm The Children depends solely on the generosity of donors, volunteers, participating stores and community partners. Together, they make it possible to provide warm winter clothing to local children each year.

“Last year, thanks to the generosity of more than 200 donors, 545 children from 213 local families received new winter clothing,” Brandner said. “With continued community support, we hope to help even more children stay warm this winter.”

Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at eagleriverrotary.com/warm-the-children or by check made payable to: Eagle River Rotary Foundation WTC, PO Box 1191, Eagle River, WI 54521.
Anyone with questions about making a donation may contact Brandner at 715-617-0920.

Donor appreciation

The Eagle River Rotary Club extended its sincere thanks to the following individuals, businesses and organizations for their generous contributions to this year’s Warm The Children program:

Bob and Robyn Abba, Fremont; Richard Auchter, Neenah; David and Susie Brown , Piqua, Ohio; Robert and Nancy Bailey, Conover; Dennis and Ginny Buschke, Appleton; Rebecca Carter and Terry Kautz, Golden Oak, Fla.; Steve and Lori Dunphy, Kaukauna; Jim and Shelly Gottsacker, Eagle River; Janet Henning, Eagle River; Gerald and Patricia Kaminski, Waukesha; Bonnie Kegley, Eagle River; John Kuziej, Eagle River; Lakeland Monuments, St. Germain; Bob and Chris McCleery, Tucson, Ariz.; Michael and Kelly McGill, St. Germain; Heidi Mee, Eagle River; Jonathan Samp, Land O’ Lakes; Sayner-Star Lake Lions Club; Kay Scharpf, Eagle River; Mark and Kathy Siebers, Conover; Linda Steiner, Eagle River; Dr. Richard and Ruth Steinke, St. Germain; Pat and Lori Weber, Eagle River; Danel Weggel, Eagle River; and Forest and Glenda Wikoff, Decatur, Ill.