“Helping Hands for Warm Hearts” is looking for a hand itself, so they can help others stay warm. Alyssa Palmer has the story.

“Helping Hands for Warm Hearts” is sponsored by Northwest Wisconsin Community Service Agency, a program with volunteers who sew, knit, and quilt such necessities for children in a three county area. They’re based in Ashland.

“This past year we’ve given over almost 300 items to the local head start, to our Lady of the Lake, and to the local school district.”

That’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program Director Elizabeth Paul-Soch.

“The schools have a bundle of them. And when they see kids that don’t have hats, mittens, scarves they have access to them right away and they don’t have to worry about going out and buying them.”

Paul-Soch says the need is, unfortunately, great. “I hate to say it, my daughter has been one of them who has actually received these. She’s part of a Head Start program. So, I’ve been able to hear and see… these kids are just! They see what they are coming in with and their eyes just open up, and they just love that they have it!”

Dianne Buelow of Ashland has volunteered 106 hours to “Helping Hands and Warm Hearts” and says the reactions of the children are worth every second. “I enjoy doing it. And you just receive so much more than what you give. You know, those hugs from those little ones and the smiles… it keeps you going. I just saw one of the little girls who got my hats and mitts yesterday at Walmart! I don’t know her personally but I remember putting that hat on her.”

“Helping Hands for Warm Hearts” is in need of yarn, fabric and volunteers. Buelow says any donation helps make a child’s winter a little brighter.

“Well it means some warm hands and warm head to go out in play in that good old Wisconsin snow.” :06 Buelow

If you’d like to help, call 715-292-6400.

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