Blankets needed as winter nears
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

As you're layering your bed with blankets and airing out the heavy winter coats now that those nighttime temperatures have begin to plunge, consider making a donation that will provide the same warmth to the less-fortunate.

At the Blessing Cup Storehouse, the first cold blasts of Arctic air means busy times are right around the corner.

Annie Kaspar, manager of Blessing Cup, said the charity, which stores and distributes clothing, food and other essentials to people in need, can always use clean blankets, in very gently-used or new condition.

But it's not just blankets that sends people to Blessing Cup once the weather turns chilly.

"Cold weather also brings out people looking for warm clothes," she said. "We could really use coats, jackets, gloves, hats."

Especially hard to come by are mens' clothing and jackets, and plus-sized ladies' clothing.

"Those areas are where we're hurting," she said. "We will gratefully accept blankets and warm clothes when we're open, or people can put items in the drop box. I check that daily."

But more than anything, the charity finds itself in need of two things all year round: food and money.

Blessing Cup prepares and distributes food to needy families throughout the year, and helps the less fortunate pay for utilities and other pressing needs.

"That's year-round, over and over and over," Kaspar noted.

The Blessing Cup is open from 9 a.m. until noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Donations can be dropped off during those hours at 507 Bruns, or at anytime at the drive-up drop box at that same site.