Help kids stay warm this winter

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In a little more than two hours on Oct. 30, Basics for Local Kids volunteers helped put a combination of needed winter-wear on 140 children from infants to 18-years-old living in Pierce County.

Unfortunately, various sizes ran out quickly. Kids were able to take home what was available and parents were given the option to place their needs on a waiting list.

Needed items include 31 coats (size 12 months to 2X adult), 64 snow pants (size 12 months to 3X adult), and 75 pair of boots (size 3 toddler to 14 adult).

All sizes and colors are appreciated as the program continues to receive requests.

The most recent requests were referred by school staff members and county social workers. “I am grateful that others are helping us get the word out” said Kim Johnson, program coordinator.

While the Basics for Local Kids program does not promise to fill every request, it emphasizes that they will continue to help kids as long as the inventory allows.

Basics for Local Kids is a program created as a collection and distribution point for people to donate gently-used items and help kids in Pierce County and nearby communities.

Monetary donations are needed for boots and items that don’t get donated. Contact Kim Johnson at basicsforlocalkids@yahoo.com

to arrange for pickup or leave at the Ellsworth Library or Associated Bank - Ellsworth.

Monetary donations should be mailed to Basics for Local Kids, PO Box 61, Ellsworth, WI 54011.

Proceeds from the upcoming Tree of Spirit event put on by the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce will go to the Basics for Local Kids program.

Any organization, business, or church interested in collecting and donating should contact Kim Johnson at 715-273-6556.

Tags: pierce county, lifestyle, home, health, ellsworth