Warm The Children serves record number of children in 2025

The Warm The Children volunteers, along with the members of the Eagle River Rotary Club and Foundation, are incredibly grateful for the astounding generosity our community has shown this year.

As of Dec. 16, Warm The Children (WTC) has received $82,200 in donations.

These funds have allowed volunteer shoppers to assist 213 families in supplying warm winter gear, meaning 545 children have received new winter clothing thanks to the community’s outpouring.

“Our final shopping trip was held on Dec. 17,” said Debbie Buss, WTC shopping coordinator. “We are deeply thankful to the 45 volunteer shoppers who donated their time, energy, and expertise to assist families. We are also greatly appreciative of the support and kindness provided by Glik’s and Northland Clothing throughout this season.”

As the number of families and children served increased this year, overall expenses also rose. As of Dec. 16, total program expenses were $104,424. The majority of expenses (97%), were clothing purchases.

In prior years, the Vilas County News-Review absorbed all of WTC’s administrative costs. This year marked the first time Warm The Children incurred expenses for behind-the-scenes needs including postage and printing.

Administrative expenses totaled 3%.

It should be noted that there are no employees of Warm The Children — the program is served entirely by volunteers, including Brandner and Shopping Coordinator Debbie Buss.

A final financial overview of the program will be printed in the Vilas County News-Review after the holidays.

Warm The Children could not exist without the generous support of the community. Tax deductible donations are still being accepted and may be made online at eagleriverrotary.com/warm-the-children or mailed to the Eagle River Rotary Foundation WTC, PO Box 1191, Eagle River, WI 54521.

“As you gather with family and friends, the Warm The Children volunteer coordinators and the members of the Eagle River Rotary Club wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year,” said Nancy Brandner, WTC coordinator.

Community generosity

Donors both local and from across the Midwest help support this program. Below is a list of those who have offered their support:
Eagle River: Eagle River Light and Water Department, employees of Glik’s, Ron Adamovich, Vernon and Diane Kramer, Bob and Barbara Mather, Mike and Sandra Mettler, Kurt and Debra Rekau, Carol Smart, and Jeanette Zimmermann.

In Wisconsin: Terry Brown, Conover; Dennis and Ginny Buschke, Appleton; Joan Green, Conover;

Jim and Vicki Haberle, Star Lake; Marty and Kelli Heindel, Appleton; Pat and Mary Hietpas, “For Mom and Dad,” Kaukauna; Tom and Pat Lamon, Conover; Fred and Dot Lane, Star Lake; John Mochon, St. Germain; Charmaine Petreikis, Three Lakes; William Recker, Appleton; Georgiana Southwick, St. Germain; Steve and Judy Szpak, “In Memory of Greg Szpak,” Mequon; Christine Tews, Land O’ Lakes; Mark and Patricia Wallesverd, Three Lakes; and Jon and Sheryl Ward, Phelps.

Out of State: Tom and Sue Bragiel, Glenview, Ill.; Kirke and Missy Machon – Glenview, Ill.; and Nanne Simonds, Clayton, Mo.