There are many things we’re grateful for this Thanksgiving and chief among them was the opportunity to help dozens of children and homeless individuals get the warm clothing they need for winter. In gratitude for receiving a Future 50 Award this year from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce, Magellan Promotions wanted to pay it forward and give back to our community.

We learned that our local school district hosts community closets in various schools where students in need can pick up a jacket or whatever else is necessary to stay warm in the cold Wisconsin winter. The closets also serve the homeless population in our area. After contacting some of our production partners about the needs, we received many thoughtful donations of hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts, sweat pants, hats, scarves, gloves and socks. Magellan Promotions also financially contributed to the effort so we could fill in the gaps and purchase additional items in smaller children’s sizes.

Two of our employees loaded up their trucks and delivered many boxes full of new merchandise for the closets. Community Engagement Coordinator for the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, Deann Yaklich, said “Approximately 60% of our students come from economically disadvantaged families as well as 112 students are identified as homeless. Due to your generous donation, we are able to provide needed resources to our students and families through our three Community Closets.”

The school staff was happy to receive the winter items and we were thrilled to be able to help. And who knows, we may have just started an annual Thanksgiving tradition!

We also donated many of the larger size items to Street Angels in Milwaukee, serving the homeless population.