UWW Community Optimist Club seeks Mitten Tree donations for children

(UWW/Community Optimist submission) For 26 years, UWW/Community Optimist Club has been hosting the annual Mitten Tree collection during the holiday season for the kids in our community!

As everyone is painfully aware, the COVID 19 virus pandemic has caused the Optimist Club to rethink this year’s collection procedures. First Citizens State Bank, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) and First English Lutheran Church will be collection places this year but in a much more limited fashion. First Citizens State Bank will be taking collections from their employees and First English Lutheran Church will only collect from their church members indirectly. The Whitewater branch of Fort Community Credit Union’s lobby is open, and they will serve as a collection site for the public. Donations will be accepted now through Friday, December 18th by 4 p.m.

Jeanine Fassl accepts 105 pairs of hand-knit mittens from Dottie Koenitzer last year with Dottie making 108 pairs this year as well. Any donations of hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, socks, and underwear, for children especially in smaller sizes, are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping support the children in our community!

The main needs are mittens, hats, and scarves. In addition, underwear and socks are encouraged as they are used for emergency items for the area children throughout the year. Gift cards are also valuable and will help local agencies to purchase items as needed.

There is a large need for smaller sizes since there are more than 300 children under age 5 in the Whitewater Unified School District.

Many thanks to all three collection sites for continuing to sponsor this worthwhile program.