Got Extra Mittens? Donate Them!

In light of all the buzz surrounding the image of a Wisconsin-shaped mitten on TravelWisconsin.com and its social media sites, Governor Walker announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Tourism was inviting the public to visit a Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center (listed below) or participating chamber of commerce or convention and visitors bureau during business hours between today and Jan. 15 to donate new or gently used mittens. The mittens will then be donated to local charities.

“There has been a lot of national excitement surrounding the debate over whether Wisconsin or Michigan looks more like a mitten,” Governor Scott Walker said. “Our Pure Michigan friends have agreed to join us in taking all of this attention and turning it into something positive.  We encourage everyone in both states to ‘shake hands’ and donate mittens to help make this winter a bit warmer for those in need.  This is another example of the great things our tourism department is doing to promote the industry in our state.”

Participating mitten drop off sites include:

• Real Racine Visitor Center, 14015 Washington Avenue, just off of I-94
• Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center located at the I-39 Northbound/I-90 Westbound Rest Area in Beloit
• Kenosha Area Visitor Information Center located at 10519 120th Ave. in Pleasant Prairie
• La Crosse Area Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center located at French Island I-90 Eastbound Rest Area in La Crosse
• Marinette Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center located at 1680 Bridge St. in Marinette
• Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce and Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center located at 275 West Business Hwy 151 in Platteville
• Prairie du Chien Regional Tourism Center located at 211 S. Main St. in Prairie du Chien
• Superior-Douglas County Welcome Center located at 305 Harborview Pkwy. in Superior.

“Our tourism partners around the state are very excited to jump in and lend a hand in this initiative,” said Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “We encourage all of our passionate residents to donate new or gently used mittens for this good cause at participating locations throughout the state.

For more detailed information on the collection campaign, please visit TravelWisconsin.com.