Visit Middleton’s 2025 Winter Clothing Drive Collects Record Donations

Visit Middleton’s annual winter clothing drive, “Keeping Neighbors Warm,” brought in a record total of 939 winter outerwear items, surpassing last year’s total of 699.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support from this community in helping set a new record with their generous donations,” said Laura Portz, the campaign’s coordinator and convention and events services manager for Visit Middleton. “This donation drive reflects the spirit of Middleton — neighbors looking out for one another and taking action to make our city a little warmer, in every sense.”

The 2025 “Keeping Neighbors Warm” clothing drive took place Oct. 15 – Nov. 5 with drop-off locations at Keva Sports Center, Middleton Public Library, Willy Street Co-op West and the Middleton Visitors Center. People donated winter outerwear items for all ages, including winter coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, scarves and boots. Donations were picked up weekly and dropped off at WayForward Resources in Middleton for distribution.

“With the chilly weather coming, everyone in our community needs winter gear to stay warm. We all know how costly that can be,” said Ellen Carlson, executive director for WayForward Resources. “Thanks to the incredible donation of 939 items to WayForward, our neighbors who visit the Clothing Center will be ready for winter. When families can get winter wear for free, they can use their limited resources for rent and other basic needs.”

This was the fourth year Visit Middleton, the City of Middleton’s tourism department, hosted “Keeping Neighbors Warm;” however, it was the 10th year the office participated in a clothing drive, formerly known as Big Bundle Up.

In addition to clothing donations, Visit Middleton made a $1,000 donation to WayForward's food pantry.

“Food insecurity is, frankly, terrifying for families — it takes a physical and emotional toll — and when SNAP benefits were cut off, our organization wanted to show our support with a donation to WayForward Resources’ food pantry,” said Mari Olson, director of tourism. “If looking for ways to help the community, WayForward, as well as other nonprofits and food pantries, would greatly appreciate donations of money, food, hygiene products and diapers.

“The City of Middleton is partnered right now with the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Middleton Business Association, and Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District for a food drive for WayForward, organizing it so quickly and efficiently, with a 24-hour drop-off location at the Middleton Police Department. It’s just another reminder of what a great community we live in.”

For more information about Visit Middleton, go to visitmiddleton.com, sign up for the newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.