The Big Bundle Up is an annual charity drive inviting folks to donate warm winter items for those in need.
Tourism organizations across the state collect new or gently used coats, mittens, hats, scarves, snow pants, and other warm clothing items that are then donated to local charities. Several Chambers of Commerce in the Northwoods and some businesses are involved in the collection.
In Rhinelander, Lauren Sackett says they're inviting residents to drop off new or gently used coats, sweaters, hats, mittens and other warm clothing items as part of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s “The Big Bundle Up” campaign.
She says the clothing stays locally to help those in need...
"....once you are done with the campaign you let the Department of Tourism know what you received and you can donate it to whoever you like. The last three years we've donated all the items to the Warm For Winter campaign here in Rhinelander..."
Warm For Winter distributes the items free on the last Saturday of the month at Friendly Village on Boyce Drive in Rhinelander. The Chamber accepts goods during business hours on weekdays.
This is the fifth year of the Big Bundle Up. To date, the program has collected more than 49,000 winter items to help families in need. Collection sites are located throughout the state. Kristina LeVan from the Department of Tourism describes what can be donated...
"......anything warm, we have a list of items. We've seen hats, warm socks. Definitely if you have little ones growing out of their items..."
The Big Bundle Up is a statewide collection program is running through January 3.
