United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is taking steps to ensure Koochiching County children stay warm, safe, and active as temperatures drop through its “Winter Warm Up” project last week.
Through the project, UWNEMN purchased 75 hats, pairs of snow pants, and pairs of gloves/mittens and delivered them to schools county-wide with the help of local volunteers this month; 50 of each item was delivered to Falls Elementary, 15 of each was delivered to Littlefork-Big Falls, and 10 of each were delivered to Northome School.
The delivery was inspired by conversations that took place during this summer’s Step Into School program organized by UWNEMN to take local children shopping for new athletic shoes for the coming school year.
“The health benefits are the same for good athletic shoes and quality snow gear; the gym shoes help students get active, and proper winter clothing makes sure they can stay active no matter the weather,” said UWNEMN Resource Development and Events Director Elizabeth Kelly. “Like Step Inti School, the extra magic of Winter Warm Up is the confidence boost of having the same quality of clothing as their peers.”
Northome School Secretary noted the quality of Winter Warm Up items would indeed make a difference.
“It’s nice to hand stuff to a kid you know they’ll feel good about,” she said.
Items were purchased with donations from the International Falls Rotary, Ruby’s Pantry Benevolence Fund, and Packaging Corporation of America (PCA). Ronnings provided a 20% discount on hats, gloves, and mittens.
“Ronnings is passionate about giving back to the community that we have been a part of for over 60 years,” Store Manager Heather Lynch said. “It’s organizations like the United Way and the Winter Warm Up project that help make this possible.”
UWNEMN was joined by volunteers from the Rotary, Backus Community Center, PCA, and International Falls Police Department to deliver Winter Warm Up boxes to Falls Elementary. School Nurse Leah Bacon fought back tears upon receiving the delivery.
“This could not come at a better time,” she said, noting both the cold and a number of students with ill-fitting or inadequate winter clothing. “I can think of kids who will take these things home with them today.”
UWNEMN Board Member Nikki Skifstad expressed gratitude to the United Way staff and generosity of area businesses and organizations that made the Winter Warm Up project possible.
“After seeing the nearly empty bin of extra winter clothing at the elementary school, it really hit home how desperately needed these donations were,” she said. Our United Way works closely with many local organizations, including schools, to understand the needs of our community then brainstorm ways they can fill those needs, and I am honored to be part of this group that positively supports so many in our community!”