Another year and another successful KVOE Mitten Tree drive.
This year’s drive, benefiting SOS, the Salvation Army of Emporia and Emporia Spartan Stop, generated more than 700 items for all three agencies. SOS Executive Director Mickey Edwards was ecstatic with the total.
Spartan Stop Coordinator Heather Wagner says the total is “absolutely amazing but not shocking because of how giving our community is.”
Salvation Army Captain Mylie Hadden attributes community awareness for the various needs of the aforementioned agencies as a key factor in Thursday’s total.
KVOE staff collected the donations from local businesses throughout the afternoon hours on Thursday. Among the stops was Mel’s Tire which had over 320 items on its tree.
Owner DJ Eidman says the total would have made Mel’s founder Mel Reed extremely proud.
At Brown’s Shoe Fit Company, residents contributed just over 90 items. Manager Aaron Otto says he and his staff are always proud to support such a worthy cause.
Once again, Cargill sponsored the mitten tree at the Emporia Public Library which garnered just over 100 items. Cargill Plant Manager Merritt Smith says community service is bred into the fabric of their company.
Other participating businesses included Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply. Manager Jayne Johnson says the mitten trees always bring out the best in the community each year.
At Gravel City Roasters, Owner Joe Corn says this is the time of year when people want to be out and supporting charitable causes and he and his staff are happy to help provide an outlet for them.
NexTech Wireless was also a part of the charitable drive once again this year and Manager Jennifer Crow, who is relatively new to the community, says it was a rewarding experience for her and her staff.
Donations to the drive included new hats, scarves, mittens and other winter-weather clothing. The 700-plus items tops the prior year’s total by more than 100 and the 2022 total by more than 200 items showcasing a steady increase in donations since the COVID-19 pandemic.
