Keeping kids cozy

Community members have the chance to help area children keep warm this winter through the annual hat and mitten drive through Oakdale Credit Union.

Students in Oakdale, Camp Douglas, Mauston and Reedsburg will benefit from the hat and mitten drive, but additional Tomah and New Lisbon students may receive some clothing, if enough donations are received.

Shelby Brown, who helps with marketing at Oakdale Credit Union, said they will be collecting the items until the end of November. She said the project has taken place each year for well over a decade. 

Students need not only hats and mittens, but coats, scarves, gloves and headbands are also being collected to help children ward off the cold.

Brown said Oakdale Credit Union usually collects around 500 items to be divided between the school districts near the three branches. 

Newly purchased or handmade items are accepted. “We have a lot of ladies who hand-knit and drop off items,” Brown said, adding that school personnel is always happy to distribute the warm donations.

“The schools love it,” she said. “We just drop them off and they can decide who needs them.”

JoLynn Schmidt, principal at Camp Douglas and Oakdale elementary schools, said they are grateful for the generosity of the community year after year. 

“The hat and mitten drive, that Oakdale Credit Union organizes, has provided winter gear to all of our students in need at Camp Douglas and Oakdale elementary schools,” Schmidt said. “When our children have what they need to stay warm, they can enjoy the winter fun playing outdoors.”

Stop at any Oakdale Credit Union branch to drop off donations before Dec. 1.