Keeping Neighbors Warm is back to collect winter outerwear donations

MIDDLETON, Wis. — As colder weather approaches, community members are encouraged to support Visit Middleton’s annual Keeping Neighbors Warm clothing drive by donating winter apparel to those in need.

Keeping Neighbors Warm is welcoming gently used or new winter coats, jackets, boots, hats, scarves and snow bibs for all ages beginning Wednesday, Oct. 15, through Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the following drop-off locations: Keva Sports Center (8312 Forsythia Street), Middleton Public Library (7425 Hubbard Avenue), Willy Street Co-op West (6825 University Avenue), and the Middleton Visitors Center (1811 Parmenter Street).

Each week, Visit Middleton staff will collect the winter outerwear items and deliver them to WayForward Resources for distribution. These items go directly to those in the community who are in the most need.

“We served nearly 15,000 people last year through our programs at WayForward Resources, the most in our over 45-year history and twice as many as two years ago,” said Ellen Carlson, executive director at WayForward. “Working together with our community is critical to ensuring our neighbors can remain in their homes and have access to enough nutritious food to not experience hunger. Warm winter clothing is a must in our chilly Wisconsin winters. Not only do these winter outerwear donations keep our neighbors warm, they also help to create stability for individuals and families with limited incomes by keeping their resources available for essential expenses like rent and medical bills.”

This will be the fourth year for Keeping Neighbors Warm, hosted through Visit Middleton, the City of Middleton’s tourism department, but it will be the 10th year the office has participated in a clothing drive, formerly known as Big Bundle Up. Last year, the City of Middleton donated a record-breaking 699 winter items.

“Each year we organize this drive, I’m always amazed by the strong participation of our community,” said Laura Portz, convention and event services manager at Visit Middleton. “They really show up for our neighbors in need, and it’s so heartwarming to see. From baby snow suits to adult-size boots, every contribution is valued and will be put to good use.”

For more information about Visit Middleton, go to visitmiddleton.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.