WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Day by day it’s getting colder outside, and the Community Closet from United Way of Marathon County is doing everything it can to meet demands for winter coats.
However, with a current shortage they are asking for a helping hand.
Adult and children’s winter gear, underwear, socks, and boots especially in kids sizes are just a few of the things the Community Closet needs to continue to help our community.
If you would like to help, donations are accepted Wednesdays from 1pm to 4pm, and Fridays from 9am to noon.
Volunteers are also needed and certainly appreciated.
“We’ve just seen such an increase in usage from the Closet since reopening in the new format in July and we know that people who are struggling to make ends meet have to plan a little bit further ahead for things that are going to be costly and winter gear is some of the more costly items in someone’s wardrobe,” said Carly Hanney Director of Community Engagement.
The items needed and volunteers will be helping kids and adults alike enjoy and be warm while at school and work during our cold winter months. Hanney said, “Any of us who walks outside in Wisconsin winter understand how important it is to be dressed for the weather and anyone who’s purchased those items themselves knows just how costly they can be and how critical it can be for kids to be able to play with their peers at recess, but also for adults to get safely to and from work.”
The sudden snow and cold weather has caused people to rush to many places like the Community Closet, desperate for proper winter clothing. “As soon as we see the cold snap people realize that either they’ve got kids that have grown out of items or things were more worn than they thought from last year. So, like I said we’re seeing the increase in usage overall of the Community Closet and that has really meant that those items just go a lot faster,” said Hanney.
