GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — With the bitter cold temperatures the community is coming together to do what it can to make sure as many people as possible stay warm this winter.
Brown County United Way hosted “Blanket Blitz” at the Johnson Tailgate Village at Lambeau Field.
Throughout Saturday morning and afternoon, people were able to drive up and give their blankets to volunteers.
The drive accepted both new and gently used clean blankets.
The blankets are then distributed to agencies and shelters across Brown County who in turn will give them to people in need.
This is the 11th year United way has been part of a blanket drive, however this year it was done in a socially distanced matter. Previously the drive was held throughout the month of January with numerous collection sites.
“We’re really hoping for another strong turnout from the community,” said Tom Schoffelman, Brown County United Way Vice President of Resource Development and Communications. “Our plan is a same-day distribution to the agencies and shelters in Brown County who in turn will get the blankets to people in need. The exciting part is that donors will know their contributions will be making an immediate impact.”
Other organizations who also supported this year’s blanket drive are the Greater Green Bay Labor Council Community Services Committee, Green Bay Packers Giveback, and Breakthrough Fuel.
“If people couch surf or they have to go to different locations throughout the winter and they don’t have a place of their own. A blanket can be a safe that is ‘mine’. We all like to have that place that we all go to. Whether it’s a room or a house or something that is ours. And for someone who is homeless or in need, this blanket can also serve as a place of dignity, a sense of space, this is mine,” Schoffelman said.
If you couldn’t make it to the drive but want to make a financial contribution, click here.
Last year’s drive collected more than 3,100 blankets which were distributed to 40 Brown County programs serving homeless and low-income individuals.
“Our concept is that if you put it in your own bed, those are the type of blankets that we want. So whether it’s new, gently used. Those are great because those could be used for area agencies and shelters. I think over the last 11 years we’ve collected over 22,000 blankets. Last year was about 3,100, so we’d like to match that if we can,” Schoffelman said.
By the end of the drive on Saturday they counted 1,150 donated items.
