Warm The Children nears ‘24 fundraising goal

Donations to Warm The Children, a program sponsored by the Vilas County News-Review under the auspices of the Eagle River Rotary Foundation to provide winter clothing for children in need, have now exceeded 60% of the 2024 fundraising goal of $80,000, according to program coordinator Nancy Brandner.
“It’s great to see the donations steadily coming in,” said Brandner. “People realize the importance of this program and know that when they donate to this program, they are taking care of children in the community and, especially around this time of the year, helping to alleviate at least some stress for these families.”
Brandner noted that she is continually thankful for the volunteers who donate their time every year to take these families shopping In addition, she gave a big shoutout to Debbie Buss and Amber Ardnt Johnson for their continued volunteer support with the program.
“We are thankful that many shoppers returned this year, ones that have been with the program from the beginning, and those who were new last year saying they wanted to do it again,” she said.
“For anyone who wants to help this worthwhile program, but funds may be a little tight this year, consider donating an hour of your time as a volunteer shopper. If you take only one child shopping that’s not only a great help to the program, you also have made an impact on that family this holiday season,” she said.

Vouchers for approximately 336 children have been sent out this year, said Brandner. Shopping will end mid-December and applications are still being accepted in the front lobby of the News-Review office, located at 425 W. Mill St. in Eagle River.
All donations are used to purchase clothing for their children and the News-REview picks up all administrative costs. Monetary donations are tax-deductible. Shopping is taking place at Glik’s in Eagle River and Northland Clothing Co. in Three Lakes.
“Every donation, no matter how large or how small, is greatly appreciated. Donations can be made in memory of or in honor of loved ones,” said Brandner.
For more information, call Brandner at 715-479-4421.
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. Online donations can be made at vcnewsreview.com on the home page.
In addition to anonymous donors, donations were received as of Nov. 29 from residents in the following communities:
Eagle River: Ron Adamovich; Maxine Drager; R.D. and Mary Ann Hansen; Don and Paula Hendrickson; Chuck and Sally Kemp; Jeff and Pattie Miller; Penkert Properties, LTD.; Bruce and Nancy Richter; Diane M. Schaab, in memory of Thoms J Schaab; STF Construction LLC.; and Nick and Cindy Vugrinec.
Phelps: Brian and Diane Blante; and Phelps-Land O’ Lakes Lions Club.
St. Germain: Christine Boylan.
Three Lakes: Rita and Bob Strathmann.
Other Wisconsin cities: Nancy and George Brown, Madison; Patti Konkol, Menasha; Jean Markowski, Wausau; and Steve and Judy Szpak.
Out of State: Bob and Sara Beedie, Roanoke, Va.; Lois Curran, Indian Head Park, Ill.; and Glenita Sall, Palm City, Fla.