Organization Continues to Make Impact on Area Pantries
Entering into its 12th consecutive season, Rotary Winter Wonderland continues its mission to feed the hungry of Central Wisconsin.
Each year, the organization collects food items and cash donations during the annual holiday lights display at Wildwood Park and distributes them to 28 food pantries in Marshfield, Central Wisconsin, and beyond.
Last year, the organization crossed the donation mark of half a million food pantry items since its first year in 2006, and isn’t slowing down.
“Our goal is usually about 50,000-60,000 cans per year,” said Danielle Nystrom, events chair. “Last year’s total was a little more than 50,000, which helped us achieve our goal of donating 500,000 cans in total for the last eleven years.”
Cash donations, besides assisting in costs for the event, also benefit local organizations that provide food assistance.
“This year we were also able to write a large check to St. Vincent de Paul and Soup or Socks due to the large volume of cash donations,” said Nystrom.
Rotary Winter Wonderland will be open seven days a week from November 24 through December 31 from 5-9 p.m. This year’s display will feature a staggering 1.5 million colorful LED lights put up by volunteers.
Activities this season include horse drawn carriage rides from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday nights. The free rides are first come, first serve. Santa will also be making appearances throughout the season.
As for new displays, the organization is excited to debut the Gingerbread House, formerly the Gazebo. The redecorated space will be the site of the newest program, Gingerbread Jamz, which features live music Wednesday through Sunday nights. A full lineup can be found here.
“The Jamz are the biggest part!” enthused Nystrom. “We always have new displays each year, but the Gingerbread House is the biggest one we’ve done in a while.”
Check out Rotary Winter Wonderland’s website and Facebook page for info and updates.
