Idaho winters are unforgiving.
Freezing temperatures. Bone-chilling winds. The occasional freezing rain—just to keep us on our toes. And while we like to believe everyone is prepared for winter’s cold shock, the reality is harder to face: children across our region enter this season without the coats, hats, and gloves they need to stay warm.
That’s why the Journey team partnered with the United Way of Eastern Idaho to host Wrap Kids in Warmth—a community-wide effort to ensure kids of all ages have the winter gear they deserve.
And our community responded—in a big way.
You showed up with generosity and urgency, flooding the United Way with exactly what was needed, right when it mattered most. A literal mountain of coats, hats, gloves, and monetary donations arrived at the very moment supplies were at their lowest. United Way shared their deep gratitude with us, noting that “over the past two weeks, school counselors have been stopping by non-stop to pick up winter coats for their students.”
As parents whose kids attend schools that benefit from these efforts, we know what a difference these donations make. Watching a child brave the elements without the proper winter gear is heart wrenching.
Because of you, children in our community are warmer.
Because of you, they can focus on learning—not on the cold.
From all of us at Journey, thank you for the compassion you showed and the difference you made. This winter is warmer because of you.
The United Way of Eastern Idaho is still accepting donations for this cause. They have let us know they are need of these coat sizes:
- Boys winter coats sizes 5, 6, 12 & 16
- Girls winter coats sizes 7, 8, 14, & 16
- Adult sizes for both women and men for middle and high school students (inventory is extremely low)
If you would like to contribute, we have an Amazon wishlist set up, and you can have your donations sent directly to The United Way.
Find the list here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/C2TV808TQMF9?ref_=wl_share
