Peggy Engstrom, Courtney Goss, Heather Glassman, Jennifer Laxson and Donna Steen hold up donated blankets, just over two dozen short of their hopeful goal.

Area bank spreads warmth for holiday season

Augusta community blanket drive hosts sixth annual fundraiser

by Bridget Cooke

Citizens of Augusta have been encouraged by one of their local bank branches to donate some helpful items to families struggling for warmth this winter.

The sixth annual Warm Our Community Blanket Drive has taken in comforters and blankets, either new or gently used, as well as cash donations toward buying an item of warmth to ensure a little bit of cold weather safety for children in the area for years.

Bank of Augusta Personal Banker Peggy Engstrom has organized the drive since its inception and has worked with the local food pantry and the Augusta School District in the past; this year, switching back to the food pantry after working with the school system in the winter of 2013.

“I’ve been told there’s more need than years past at the food pantry,” she said. 

With kids of her own, Engstrom said the inception of the blanket drive began with consideration of the other charity drives in the area and what children would most benefit from if she were to organize a way to fill a need in their lives.

They have received cash donations through businesses to support an effort that directly goes to helping Augusta community members, but have garnered numbers from customers of the Bank of Augusta as well. The drive has also relied on community outreach through poster hanging at local businesses and a mass mailing through students.

A specifically generous donation pointed out by Engstrom included the giving of 40 plush Disney-themed blankets by Cathy and Jason Tepaske, former owners of Tep’s in Augusta and now proprietors of Max’s Club 95. Other notable gifts included Countryside Cooperative and Ronald and Louise Honadel.

“We’re so, so grateful because we’ve got so many donations,” Engstrom said. “It just makes us feel proud that we have so many great community members who are willing to help with areas in need.”

The program will be continue receiving donations until Dec. 19.

Currently, the drive has accrued about 60 blankets, but it is hopeful that they reach the goal of 85 despite the thoughtful gifts of blankets already given. Monetary gifts have proven helpful as well, with the help of a consumer-driven holiday keeping prices low in order to provide more quality and quantity. 

“We do get a lot of people who just bring in that one blanket, which we are very grateful for as well, because every little bit helps,” Engstrom said. “I think now that we’re on our sixth year, I think that people are excited about it and shop throughout the year to get good deals on them.”

Engstrom said she knew many times pride can get in the way of the ability to ask for help in ways such as visiting a food pantry, but has noticed their method of understanding and anonymity has greatly increased the chance of those in need to come forward for help.

“Because we make it private, it’s really working,” Engstrom said. “I think it’s more well-known now and I actually have people in need who call me or come in, who feel more comfortable about the situation now.”

What mostly motivated Engstrom was the thought of children going without warmth during the winter. And as a parent herself, she related to the adults as well, and loved the idea of helping Augusta youth. She noted the need for warm materials due to what appears to be a long and harsh winter for Wisconsin once more.

“You can always use warmth,” Engstrom said. “Even if you have one blanket, you might need two. Sometimes they live in the cold and having that extra blanket is good.”

Pride in the community has overwhelmed her, Engstrom said of the giving she has witnessed this year and in years past, noting a “wonderful” experience through the blanket drive. She added her gratitude to all those who have given in the past and continue to support the program which makes it a goal to help keep area children and their siblings warm throughout the winter months of Wisconsin.

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In September 2013, Cooke was hired as the editor of both the Augusta Area Times and the Tri-County News. She can be reached via ateditor@media-md.net or (715) 597-3313. Follow us on Twitter or check out our Facebook page for more updates!

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