ELLSWORTH — Since its inception in 2010, Ellsworth-based Basics for Local Kids has helped more than 4,500 kids with winter wear.

The non-profit has grown from $300 in donations its first year to a $25,000 budget, relying on grants from local businesses and organizations and community donations.

“We provide coats, snow pants, boots, hats, mittens and scarves if we have them,” said Basics for Local Kids Director Kim Johnson.

Basics for Local Kids was welcomed to its new location at 126 S. Chestnut St., in the building that housed the former Pierce County Herald.

“We are going into our 12th season, and we’ve served 4,500 kids in Pierce and St. Croix Counties,” Johnson told chamber members. “We’re pretty much focused on newborn through 18 years old with winter wear, everything you need to stay outside on the playground in January.”

The new facility will allow Basics for Local Kids to go back to having open distribution, where kids can stop in and pick out their items.

“This building is perfect timing. We had to switch from distribution to filling requests last year (because of COVID-19), so hopefully we’ll get back to distribution like normal,” said Johnson.

“People need to know where to go,” said Ellsworth Chamber Co-Director Kim Beebe. “We’re going to ask them to clean out their closets. We’re looking for gently used gloves, hats, scarves coats and boots.”

There’s a drop box at the building for donations.

During the pandemic, Basics for Local Kids provided clothing for 715 kids, up from 550 the year before.

In addition to kids being able to pick up items, the non-profit now has a request on its website for people who can’t make it to distribution events.

Grant funding has come from Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services, the Henkel Company and the Ellsworth Lions Club, to name a few.

“Our first year, we managed on just $300 and seven bins of clothing. It’s been a loaves and fishes thing. Now we have a $25,000 budget on a good year of grants,” said Johnson.

In addition to donations, the group also does a lot of bargain shopping.

“Whenever I’m not working or here, I’m searching for $10 coats,” said Johnson.

Learn more about Basics for Local Kids at basicsforlocalkids.org.

It is a registered charity, so donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made on the website or by mailing checks to: BLK, PO Box 61, Ellsworth, WI 54011.

Photo by John McLoone