Warm The Children
2026 Warm The Children Program
For decades, the Rotary Club of Eagle River's Foundation has partnered with the Vilas County News-Review on a joint venture that raises approximately $80,000 annually and provides new winter clothing for more than 450 children in Vilas and Oneida counties.
Warm The Children is a Connecticut-based nonprofit established locally nearly 30 years ago by Vilas County News-Review publisher Byron McNutt, a Rotary member and past president. The program has earned multiple community-service honors from both the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the National Newspaper Association.
Since its inception, readers of the News-Review have contributed more than $2 million to help local families. The Rotary Club Foundation enhanced fundraising capacity by offering its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, enabling contributions from family trusts and charitable foundations.
Warm The Children serves children under the age of 18 who live in Vilas County, the town of Sugar Camp and the town of Three Lakes. Nancy Brandner, program coordinator, and Debbie Buss, volunteer shopper coordinator, are leading this year's campaign, and we're grateful for the continued assistance from the Vilas County Human Services Department, whose review process helps ensure qualified families are able to participate.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of more than 200 donors, Warm The Children provided new winter clothing for 545 children from 213 local families. The program received $88,350.39 in donations but spent $118,340.67, with the difference covered by reserves built up in previous years.
This year, our fundraising goal is $110,000. It's an ambitious number, but the need keeps growing, and we don't want to turn away eligible children.
2026 Application
Applications for the 2026 program are available on our website, at the Vilas County News-Review's new office at 701 North Railroad Street in Eagle River, and through area schools.
Applications are forwarded to Vilas County Human Services for review on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once approved, Debbie Buss, our Volunteer Shopper Coordinator, will connect families with a volunteer shopper who accompanies them as they select winter clothing for their children at Glik's in Eagle River or Northland Clothing Company in Three Lakes.
2026 Shopping Information
Applications for the program are forwarded to Vilas County Human Services for review on a first-come, first-served basis. Once approved, families are connected with a volunteer shopper who accompanies them as they select winter clothing for their children at Glik's in Eagle River or Northland Clothing Company in Three Lakes.
Vouchers are provided in the amount of $220 for children ages 2 through 17 and $110 for newborns and toddlers younger than age 2. Glik’s and Northland Clothing offer Warm The Children a generous discount, so the children usually receive approximately $275 worth of retail clothing.
Shopping will begin November 7 and continue through December 12, 2026.
Debbie Buss is coordinating the shopping trips, and new volunteer shoppers are always welcome.
For more information, contact Debbie at (715) 891-9235.
Donate to Warm The Children
Donations may be sent to the Eagle River Rotary Foundation WTC, PO Box 1191, Eagle River, WI 54521.
“Donations of any amount, whether $5, $20, $100 or more, will be recognized in the newspaper unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous,” Nancy Brandner, Program Coordinator said. “Gifts may also be made in honor or in memory of a loved one. Every donation makes a difference.”
The Rotary Club Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our federal tax ID is #22-3931662. All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. law.
If you have any questions about making a donation, please contact Nancy Brandner at (715) 617-0920.