Downtown Racine Corporation collected warm accessories for citizens in need during the Holiday Parade pre-parade festivities, Nov. 11, on Monument Square.
Kelly Kruse, executive director of Downtown Racine Corporation, led the warm accessories drive. Of the items provided, about a third were collected by Milaegers, Chick-fil-A and Sew ‘n Save of Racine in the weeks leading up to the event. The items were an assortment of new, used and even some homemade pieces. Nearly 400 accessories were collected, including more than 200 warm hats, many of which were hand knit. Other items included mittens, gloves, scarves and coats.
The accessories collected were transported to the Racine County Jail where they were laundered by inmate workers in the jail laundry room. The items were then distributed to the less fortunate citizens of Racine County who may need a bit of assistance to keep warm during the winter months. Items were donated to H.A.L.O. and The Hospitality Center earlier this week.
The Downtown Racine Corporation’s next donation effort will be a blanket drive in conjunction with the second annual Fire and Ice Festival. Prior to that, donations can be brought to the DRC office, 425 Main St., or either Milaeger’s location Jan. 1-20. As a thank you for donations, Milaeger’s will provide a coupon for a free cup of regular coffee for every blanket donated. Blankets will also be collected at the Fire and Ice Festival on Monument Square, Jan. 19, from noon to 5 p.m.
“We asked the community to come together to help those less fortunate during the holiday season, and the response was tremendous,” said Kelly Kruse, executive director, Downtown Racine Corp. “It’s great when we, as a non-profit, are able to help other non-profits in our community fulfill their mission as well.”
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