Big Bundle Up is back in Middleton

MIDDLETON — Middleton Tourism invites the public to take part in the 11th statewide Big Bundle Up – a winter clothing drive to benefit the community.

Residents may donate new or gently used warm winter gear to this year’s Big Bundle Up beginning Monday, Nov. 15, through noon on Friday, Dec. 17. Locations for drop-off include: Keva Sports Center (8312 Forsythia Street), Middleton Public Library (7425 Hubbard Avenue), and Willy Street Co-op West (6825 University Avenue). Suggested items include hats, mittens, coats, snow pants and other warm clothing.

Each week, Middleton Tourism staff will collect the winter items and deliver them to Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM) for distribution.

“Winter donations are so important as the temperatures drop. Kids should be playing outside, and families need to stay warm and dry,” said Ellen Carlson, executive director for MOM. “Winter clothing is expensive, so donations of these resources go a long way in creating stability for people in our community!”

MOM is specifically looking for jackets/coats for teens and adults — sizes 6 through adult medium — and snow pants in all sizes, as well as winter boots for children.

This is the 11th year that the Wisconsin Department of Tourism has collaborated statewide with other tourism offices to collect warm winter clothing to donate to local organizations, and the sixth year for the City of Middleton. To date, the program has collected more than 200,000 warm winter items statewide to help families in need. Last year, the City of Middleton broke its own record with 1,673 items donated to Middleton Outreach Ministry, Joining Forces for Families, the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District, and the Salvation Army of Dane County.

“We continue to be humbled by the Middleton community and business partners who support the Big Bundle Up — as well as other community fundraisers — each year,” said Julie K. Peterman, director of tourism. “We know the recipients of these gifts are so grateful.”