'The Big Bundle Up'

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the state's tourism industry are hoping to make this winter a little warmer for those in need. The Department has launched "The Big Bundle Up," a statewide charity drive to collect new and gently used gloves, hats, scarves, coats, sweaters and other winter gear that will be donated to Wisconsin charities around the state.

The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce and nearly 80 other sites located at Travel Wisconsin Welcome Centers, tourist information and visitor centers, businesses and offices are serving as drop-off sites through Jan. 4, 2013. A complete list of locations is available on TravelWisconsin.com.

Locally community members and businesses can donate the gently used items at the Merrill Chamber office at 705 N. Center Ave. A box is located in the chamber's information center which is open 24 hours a day. All items donated to the chamber by Jan. 4 will be donated locally to Merrill area agencies.

"Last year's 'mitten debate' with Michigan turned into a very positive charitable campaign," said Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. "With the support of tourism organizations who have stepped up to serve as collection sites along with the generosity of everyone who makes a donation, we'll keep the momentum going and help Wisconsin families stay warm this winter."

Last year's Great Lakes Mitten Campaign drew national media coverage and generated a collection of more than 3,100 winter items for Wisconsin charities. Donated items came from as far as Virginia and sparked Wisconsin classrooms and private businesses to contribute. In addition, the campaign won four national media and public relations awards, including the prestigious U.S. Travel Association's Mercury Award.

"The response to last year's charity drive from both the tourism industry and those who donated was incredible. Our tourism partners urged us to continue this as an annual program and make it even bigger," said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. "We're proud of their commitment and shared goal to collect as many winter items as possible for their local communities."

For more information on The Big Bundle Up program contact the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474 or visit the website at www.merrillchamber.org.