Warm for Winter, a free clothing pantry, was begun as an outreach mission of our church in 2009 and has served approximately 6,000 client guests in the 13 years since its inception.
The distribution schedule for 2024-2025 is below. During the times when the pantry is not open, it is available on an emergency basis to anyone in need. You can find us at Warm for Winter on Facebook and reach out with the Facebook private messenger.
Warm for Winter is open for distribution on these days: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 - 9:30-11:30; Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 - 4-6; Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 - 9:30-11:30; Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 - 4-6; Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 - 9:30-11:30; Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 - 4-6; Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 - 9:30-11:30; Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 - 4-6; Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 - 9:30-11:30; Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 - 4-6; Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 - 9:30-11:30; Monday, Mar. 10, 2025 - 4-6; Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025 - 9:30-11:30.
If you would like to volunteer to be a part of Warm for Winter, please call Darla Jansen at 608-345-7305.
Clothing Pantry
Coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens, clothing of all sizes and varieties for children and adults, boots, shoes, and bedding are collected and given free of charge at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 135 East Larch Street, Rhinelander. Toys and children’s books are also available. There are no income requirements and no questions are asked.
A drop box is located on the west side of the church (135 E. Larch St.), and volunteers from throughout the community work year-round to sort, hang, and display the donated items. These donations end up in many places in addition to the rooms at First Congregational and they help many people other than our client guests.
Distribution To Community
Books and stuffed animals are taken to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry for distribution to children. Bedding which is too torn or stained to give out is taken to Wild Instincts for use with the wild creatures they care for. Personal hygiene products are delivered to the Personal Essentials Pantry at the United Methodist Church. Hats and mittens are provided to all local grade schools for teachers to give out as needed. Blue jeans not chosen by our guests are taken to the high school where they are available for students who need them. Newborn-sized clothing, usually too small by the time parents come to us, is laundered and delivered to Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital for distribution to new mothers. Woolen garments that come to us in ill repair are saved for several different craft and sewing groups who repurpose them into beautiful purses, rugs, and other items.
Annual Garage Sale
Last but certainly not least, an annual garage sale is held where all items received which do not fall within the scope of our clothing mission are sold at very low prices. Warm for Winter is happy to share these items at very affordable prices with those who can benefit from these donations. The proceeds are used to provide a minimal operating budget for Warm for Winter.
At the other end of the process, several local quilting and knitting groups enjoy socializing as they create quilts, afghans, and children’s sweaters, hats, scarves, and mittens for our guests.