Northeast Iowa Neighbors Come Together Through Warm Wishes
WAVERLY, IOWA ~ There’s something about an Iowa winter that makes a warm coat feel like more than just another piece of clothing.
For a child, it means being able to run outside, play in the snow, walk to school and enjoy the season without worrying quite so much about the cold.
But for some families, purchasing new winter clothing can be a financial challenge.
That’s where a little hometown kindness comes in.
The Waverly~Shell Rock Area United Way is preparing for another season of its Warm Wishes program, an annual effort that helps provide new winter coats and other cold-weather necessities to children who need them.
And this year, the organization is working toward providing coats for more than 250 local children.
A Little Warmth Goes a Long Way
Serving children throughout Bremer County, Shell Rock and Clarksville, Warm Wishes helps families prepare for the cold Iowa winter.
The program provides new winter coats and other winter gear to children whose families could use a helping hand.
Behind every coat is something much bigger than fabric, buttons and zippers.
There’s a community that cares.
A neighbor willing to give.
And a child who can step outside feeling a little more comfortable and prepared for the cold.
Helping Families Before Winter Arrives
The organization has scheduled its 2026 coat distribution for November 9~10.
Families interested in receiving assistance are encouraged to visit the United Way’s official Warm Wishes page for registration information and updates.
Community members can also help by donating new winter coats and other winter gear at participating collection locations.
Among the locations listed for 2026 are the Waverly Public Library, Shell Rock Library, Waverly Chamber of Commerce, Waverly Health Center, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and several other businesses and organizations throughout the area.
Volunteers are also welcome to explore opportunities to help with the program.
More Than Just a Coat
Sometimes the things we take for granted mean the world to someone else.
A warm jacket.
A pair of mittens.
A little peace of mind for a parent trying to stretch the family budget.
And perhaps that’s what makes programs like Warm Wishes so special.
They remind us that caring for our neighbors doesn’t always require a grand gesture.
Sometimes it begins with something as simple as making sure a child stays warm.
Because when Northeast Iowa neighbors come together, even the coldest days can feel a little warmer. ❤️
Official source: Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way — Warm Wishes
Contact: 319~352~2582
2026 distribution: November 9~10
Deliverance Hope ~ word-round-town.com
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