Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) Residents are keeping their heads warm this winter thanks to a free hat rack available at the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library.
The rack currently offers knitted hats for free in the library’s entrance area. In past winters, it has also provided essential winter items like gloves and scarves for those in need.
“We just knew it was cold outside and not everybody had the means to stay warm,” said Lori Belongia, Library Director. “They’ve been going steadily.”
The rack will remain until there are no more items left. The public is welcome to donate small winter items and can drop them off at the circulation desk for distribution.
The hats were made by the Monday Sew knitters group, which donated about 200 hats for Marshfield Area Community Foundation’s Keep Kids Warm event last year. Leftover hats from that event were donated to the library with the group’s blessing.
“I love how unique they each were, each with their own style,” said Stacey Schultz, Executive Director, Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. “It was fun watching the kids pick out a hat to match their personality, whether that was Packer themed or a neon pink one.”
Keep Kids Warm gave out 222 coats at its event and an additional 35 to the middle school, high school, and alternative high school. The community is very supportive of the program, said Schultz.
The 2020 Keep Kids Warm is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29.
Soup or Socks Food Pantry and Clothes Closet has also helped residents battle the cold this winter, assisting 54 people in December with their winter needs.
“We have many requests this year for boots and gloves,” said Cheryl Lewis Hartl, Soup or Socks Director. “We can use winter coats for adults in larger sizes, 2x and up.”
Last week, Soup or Socks supplied 16 people with winter clothing in one afternoon.
Donations of winter items can be dropped off at Soup or Socks at 200 South Lincoln by 1st Presbyterian Church, or call 715-387-1796 for more information. Coats can be used but should be clean, in good condition, and have working zippers.
Author: News Desk
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