Winter Is Coming, so Donate Your Coats and Blankets

V1 Staff |

An average of 10 percent of Wisconsin residents live in poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Though it’s hard to believe, there are folks in western Wisconsin who won’t have warm coats to wear during the coming winter. To respond to this chilling reality, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are collecting winter coats and blankets now through Sept. 30. “This drive is a great opportunity for us to extend a helping hand into our communities for those who are in immediate need,” said Mary Pengra, director of volunteer services at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. All donations must be clean and in wearable condition. 

Items needed this year include:

  • Great need for children and infant size coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and boots.
  • Great need for adult coats, sizes XL, XXL and XXXL.
  • Winter coats and snowsuits.
  • Adult-size hats, mittens, scarves, and boots.
  • Blankets for infants, children, youth, and adults.

The drop-off site at Sacred Heart Hospital (900 West Clairemont Ave.) is inside the hospital’s main entrance near the information desk. The drop-off site at St. Joseph’s Hospital (2661 County Highway I) is also inside the hospital’s main entrance near the information desk.

In Eau Claire, donations will be distributed 9am-2pm Saturday, Oct. 5, at Redeeming Grace Church, 312 S. Barstow St. In Chippewa Falls, donations will be distributed 9am-3pm Saturday, Oct. 19, at Notre Dame Life Center Hall, 22 S. Prairie St. At both sites, guests will be allowed to select a certain number of items based upon their household size, and items will be restocked throughout the day.