Winter in Wisconsin can be harsh, but thanks to the generosity of our community, warmth comes in many forms. This season, we had the joy of bringing together multiple generations to spread kindness through every hand-knit hat, every carefully decorated tag, and every act of generosity, whether through time, talent, or donations.
Two groups stepped up to create handmade winter gear for those who need it most in our area:
- Miravida Living residents used their knitting skills to craft cozy hats, scarves, and mittens, giving back to the community one stitch at a time.
- The Oshkosh Correctional Institution Knitting Program allows inmates to contribute by knitting items for social services and nonprofits across five counties. Using donated yarn, program participants have created more than 5,000 knitted pieces to help keep people warm.
To make these gifts even more personal, our Community Impact Manager, Heidi Thomas, coordinated a special tag project, inviting the community to get involved. Kindergartners at Menominee Elementary decorated and wrote messages on handmade tags, adding warmth and encouragement to each donated item. Their creativity turned every scarf, mitten, and hat into more than winter gear—it became a heartfelt reminder that someone cares.
Once the tags were ready, Heidi worked with our Monday Ladies, an amazing group of volunteers, to attach each tag to the donated items. Together, they made sure every piece carried a little extra love.
Then, it was time to get these cold-weather essentials into the hands of those who need them. Heidi also helped distribute them throughout downtown Oshkosh, GO Transit, the Oshkosh Salvation Army, and the Winnebago County State Street Center during some of the coldest days of the season. Each bundle also included United Way 211 resource information, connecting individuals and families to essential community services.
Why Oshkosh Area United Way?
This is exactly the kind of connection Oshkosh Area United Way helps make possible. Our role isn’t just about funding programs—it’s about bringing people and resources together to create something bigger.
Because of partnerships like this:
- Knitted donations found their way into the community instead of sitting unused.
- Local students had a chance to contribute in a meaningful way.
- Individuals and families received both warmth and access to resources like United Way 211, connecting them to housing, food, and support services.
When people, organizations, and ideas come together, great things happen. And that’s what we’re all about.
How You Can Help
Just like the knitted hats, scarves, and mittens shared with those in need, Oshkosh Area United Way brings warmth, comfort, and hope to our community. Supporting our mission means helping us connect people to vital resources, create positive change, and strengthen the community we all call home.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Get Involved: Visit VolunteerOshkosh.org to find volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and skills.
- Give Back: Donate to Oshkosh Area United Way to support programs and initiatives that make a real impact in our community.
- Take Action: Share our mission and resources with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread the word.
Your investment helps us continue bringing people, services, and ideas together to create lasting change. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.
Have questions? Call (920) 235-8560 or email oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org.