With temperatures dropping and the holidays right around the corner it’s time to start giving back to the community. The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce encourages the Whitewater community to stop by and donate any new or gently used coats, gloves, hats or any warm clothing items.

The Bundle Up drive is a statewide clothing drive that is part of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and is done all across Wisconsin and is done every year. All across the state of Wisconsin tourism entities like Discover Whitewater collect warm winter clothing in their communities as part of The Big Bundle Up drive. All items collected stay in the community where the items were donated. Every year the Big Bundle Up happens November 5 to January 5.

“We will be taking items collected to The Community Space and to The Bethel House to support families and individuals in need. We will report to the Department of Tourism how much we collected and where we donated it to for their record keeping,” said Whitewater Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kellie Carper.

The Bundle Up drive is a great way for residents to give back to their community. Anything donation can make a huge difference. You don’t have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to donate, a hat or a scarf that is sitting in the back of your closet or a closet you or your child has grown out of would be greatly appreciated. As long as the clothing item isn’t worn down or damaged, it can be donated.

“I donated a pair of gloves that I never wore and have been sitting in the back of my closet for years. It feels good to know they will be getting some good use now,” said Whitewater resident Melanie Gentile.

It does not take much to give back to your community. Wisconsin residents know how cold winters can get, and unfortunately not everyone can afford to buy a brand-new winter coat. People can donate lightly used items, or can go out and buy new clothing items to donate as well. Either would be appreciated.

“My friends and I are planning on buying some new hats and gloves from Walmart to donate to the drive. They’re not expensive, and if everyone goes out and buys a pair of gloves or a scarf to donate it can really make a difference,” said University of Whitewater student Emily Tobias.

The holiday season is the season of giving, and donating warm winter clothes for people in need is the perfect way to give back to your community.

Whitewater residents can drop off their items at the Discover Whitewater office located at 150 W. Main Street in downtown Whitewater Monday through Friday between 10 A.M. and 5 P.M. until January 5, 2021.