MADISON — For good health, school or work success, and general well-being, the warmth and comfort of a good night’s sleep matters to everyone.
But not everyone in our community has a clean, warm blanket to call his or her own this winter, so the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Dane County is holding its 27th annual Recycle the Warmth blanket drive to collect thousands of donated new and gently used clean blankets and other bedding to give away to families or individuals living in low-income households.Not having blankets or bedding is a common problem, according to St. Vincent de Paul volunteers who visit low-income households requesting assistance.
“Donor generosity during our Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive allows us to meet this need year-round,” explains Ernie Stetenfeld, CEO and executive director of the District Council of Madison Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
“When you donate to St. Vincent de Paul through this drive, you satisfy a practical need of some of our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Last year, Recycle the Warmth collected over 5,000 blankets.
Four easy ways to give
There are four easy ways to give.
1. Donate gently used blankets, quilts, and bed sheets any time from Friday, Jan. 25, through Saturday, Jan. 26, at three Madison-area Shopkos and the seven St. Vincent de Paul Dane County thrift stores.
2. Drop off gently used blankets, quilts, and bed sheets any time from Saturday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Jan. 28, at multiple participating religious congregations. (Congregation list can be found at svdpmadison.org/recyclethewarmth)
3. Purchase warm and cozy new full/queen size blankets at three Madison-area Shopko stores for $12.99 each during store hours on Friday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 26.
4. Send a financial donation to help buy new blankets and bedding. Donate online at svdpmadison.org/recyclethewarmth Checks payable to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul can be sent to Society of St. Vincent de Paul-RTW, P.O. Box 259686, Madison, WI 53725-9686.