Recycle the Warmth

media release:  In partnership with News 3 Now, Mid-West Family Madison and Wisconsin Public Radio, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Madison will hold its 32nd annual Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive January 26-28, 2024. The drive encourages community members to donate new and gently used bedding, blankets and sheets which will be distributed to low-income families by St. Vincent de Paul-Madison throughout the year.

“Everyone deserves warm and clean blankets,” Julie Bennett, CEO & Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul-Madison, said. “Whether folks move to Dane County without furniture, are fleeing domestic violence, have lost their belongings to a fire, or simply can’t afford these basic essentials, we’re happy to provide bedding, blankets and sheets so everyone can sleep soundly.”

The Madison-area community can help families in need by donating blankets or by making a monetary gift to the Recycle the Warmth Blanket Drive.

There are three ways to help:

• Drop off gently used or new blankets at any of the seven Dane County St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores between January 26 – 28. There are three St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores in Madison; one each in Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Waunakee and Verona.

• Drop off gently used or new blankets at participating businesses and churches between January 26 – 28. A list of drop-off sites can be found here: https://svdpmadison.org/rtw/

• Make a monetary donation to purchase new blankets. Visit https://svdpmadison.org/rtw/

In 2023, St. Vincent de Paul – Madison distributed blankets and bedding valued around $82,000 to 668 families in need.

###

St. Vincent de Paul-Madison is a membership organization dedicated to helping our neighbors in need. Volunteers conduct in-person home visits with people experiencing financial hardships and offer resources, hope and friendship. St. Vincent de Paul — Madison offers services such as food, prescription medicine, clothing, furniture, household goods, emergency financial assistance, storage lockers and guidance to neighbors in need. Seven St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores across Dane County help fund these services and provide direct charity through a furniture, household goods and clothing voucher program for people living with low incomes. Learn more at https://svdpmadison.org/.