In a heart‑warming display of community spirit, Davenport residents rallied at the KWQC news station to support the annual blanket and coat drive. The effort, organized in partnership with the Bettendorf Rotary Club and the Salvation Army, gathered 642 blankets and 500 coats, along with hundreds of hats, gloves and scarves for families braving the cold winter months.
Local volunteers lead the effort
Volunteers from across the Quad Cities streamed into the station’s lobby, sorting donations and greeting donors with gratitude. Many of the items were handmade, reflecting the personal care and dedication of neighbors who spent hours crafting quilts and other warm garments. “Someone that spends hours and hours making 50 quilts… their heart is in each one of those quilts,” said Bettendorf Rotarian Joe Campion. “So in the middle of January when it’s 10 degrees below, your heart is with somebody that needed a blanket and got a blanket.”
How the donations will be used
The collected blankets, coats and winter accessories will be distributed by the Salvation Army to families in need throughout the region. The organization plans to prioritize households facing heating challenges, seniors living alone, and children without adequate winter clothing. By providing these essential items, the drive helps safeguard vulnerable community members against frostbite, hypothermia and the broader health risks associated with prolonged exposure to cold.
Why the drive matters for families
Winter weather in Iowa can be severe, with temperatures often plunging well below freezing. For many low‑income families, purchasing new winter gear is a financial strain. The blanket and coat drive offers a practical solution, ensuring that every child and adult has a layer of protection against the elements. Local faith groups and churches have praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with Christian values of charity, stewardship, and caring for one’s neighbor.
Community partners and future plans
KWQC’s collaboration with the Bettendorf Rotary Club and the Salvation Army underscores the power of cross‑organizational cooperation. The Rotary Club contributed promotional support and volunteer coordination, while the Salvation Army handled logistics for storage and distribution. Organizers hope to expand the drive next year, aiming for higher donation totals and broader outreach to rural areas surrounding Davenport.
Residents who missed the in‑person donation window are encouraged to contact the Salvation Army’s local office for drop‑off locations or to arrange a pickup. The continued generosity of Davenport’s citizens demonstrates that, even in challenging times, the community can come together to protect its most vulnerable members.
Original reporting: KWQC TV6 Davenport (local) — read the source article.
