Local Kiddo Saves Lives, One Jacket at a Time

Justine  Childs |

Making a donation of life jackets to the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department.
Making a donation of life jackets to the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department.

When Jacob Krager’s friend Jacob Lee Schultz drowned at the age of 4, he wanted to do something to prevent another family from experiencing such a devastating loss. Five years ago, Jacob (now 11) started Jacob’s Jackets to collect and donate life jackets to those without them – “saving lives one life jacket at a time,” he said. Jackets can be found on loaner boards at various beaches such as Lake Altoona, Lake Wissota, and Riverview. He also partners with the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department recreational officer to hand out jackets when needed. To date, Jacob has donated almost 5,000 life jackets. To donate to the cause, reach Jacob on the Jacob’s Jackets Facebook page or through his mother (jessica.krager@outlook.com).