Bow Island Library collecting winter wear for women’s shelter

Posted on December 1, 2021 by 40 Mile Commentator

By Justin Seward

Commentator/Courier

New winter mittens and toques for all ages can dropped off at the Bow Island Library as a part of the annual Mitten Tree campaign until Dec. 17.

“We decorate a Christmas tree with them and after that, the donations are given to usually the Joy of Giving—but the last two years we’ve changed it up at their request—and we’re going to give it to the women’s shelter,” said Kathryn Van Dorp, library manager.

However, the tree will not be set up this year and instead a bin will be put out for the donations.

New items that will be accepted this year include new pairs of socks and women’s toiletries.

The items will go to the Taber Women’s Shelter.

The library saw that a lot of local families needed winter gear and thought this was a nice way to bring Christmas spirit to town when the Mitten Tree campaign was established five years ago.

“We would like things to be brand new and preferably from a non-smoking home,” she said.

After what the world has endured over the last 20 months, the Christmas spirit is very important for this year’s campaign.

“I think especially in the last two year— I mean it’s been difficult for everybody,” said Van Dorp.

“I mean if you can just show some kindness and even community spirit—not necessarily just Christmas spirit— I think it’s good to continue doing the little things regardless of what’s happening in wider world.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Bow Island Library during open hours on Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Items can be dropped off at  the town office or put in a bag and dropped off in the book return slot if the library is closed.

Van Dorp said well over 50 items come in for the campaign.