Ways to give back this holiday season

Are you interested in donating or helping make someone's holiday season an extra special one? Trying to find out local charities or places to donate toys, clothes, or other items to? Here's a few ideas of local ways you can help out.

Baby blankets for newborns

A few local quilting groups have taken it upon themselves to make and donate baby quilts for our home visiting programs. Lighter blankets are preferred, but heavier quilts are a fantastic treasure for parents and their babies. If a heavier cloth is used for quilts, our public health nurses use it as a focal point for discussing the importance of tummy time on a firm surface. We use the quilts to help pad the ground for the little one as they show their proud mothers and fathers that they can indeed roll over and wiggle around.

Hats, Gloves and Mittens

We like to put up a holiday tree at the Bay Area Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Project Ashland Office during the cold winter months. The Bay Area WIC project serves Ashland, Bayfield and Iron County families, particularly lower-income families with young children. As often happens, kiddos often lose hats or gloves when going to and from appointments, and families may not be able to always afford new ones. Donations of knitted or new kid-size and infant-size hats and gloves are always appreciated, and mom-sized hats, gloves and mittens are always appreciated, too!

New or Gently Used Baby or Toddler Clothes

We work with a wide variety of families through our home visiting programs and the WIC program. Many of these families are lower-income families struggling to pay their bills and put food on their tables. Clothing is an extra expense that can make it more difficult for families this time of year. New or gently used clothing items are accepted for children ages birth (and preemie) through about age 2 for families in need in our community.  Clothing items often forgotten about include socks and baby shoes. Diapers are always in high demand and a huge expense to families - donations of size 1 and newborn diapers are always welcome!

Items for donation to the BRICK

Many items, including non-perishable food and personal hygiene products (ex. toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, body deodorant, etc.) are welcome for donation. Items received at the Health Dept. will be donated to the Brick for those in need this holiday season - which serves both Ashland and Bayfield County residents. 

Toys for Tots

Call for details.  We are working with multiple organizations for toy donations this holiday season. 

Call Bayfield County Health Department at 715-373-6109 if any questions or for more information on ways you can help others in your community in need.

Happy Holidays!