GREEN BAY (NBC26) — Delaney Gallagher, a sophomore at Notre Dame Academy, is a regular volunteer at the St. Johns Homeless Shelter. This winter, she wanted to help out a little more.
"I just think it's really important that we're sending a message to the residents of St. Johns that our community cares about them," said Gallagher. "I heard they had a need, so I wanted to take action and help."
The sophomore created Long Johns for St. Johns, putting out bins at five different festival foods, her high school, her church and a few other spots. So far, she's gathered more than 400 donations.
"We've gotten a lot of great attention," said Gallagher. "There's been a lot of people in the community who helped spread the word.”
It's been great working with Gallagher, said Alexa Priddy, Community Engagement Director for St. Johns.
"We want a community of neighbors, of people that give back," she said. "I think it really starts with the young people in our community bringing that inspiration to others."
Priddy hopes even more people, of all ages, will understand how great the need for thermal underwear is.
"We all get into our cars, we drive to the grocery store, we drive to school and all these other places," she said. "The guests that we serve are usually walking to those destinations."
Gallagher and her father routinely empty the bins and bring them to the shelter. It's been a big time commitment, she said, but worth every minute.
"It's been a little bit challenging," said Gallagher. "But I think it's helpful to know that I'm making a difference, and so that helps me to keep wanting to do this year after year."
The bins will be kept out until the end of the month. St. Johns will take new and gently used long underwear, and other clothing items.
Here is a full list of the drop-off locations:
Festival Foods
2250 W Mason St , Green Bay
2430 University Ave, Green Bay
2534 Steffens Ct, Green Bay
1001 Main Ave, De Pere
Urban Edge Towne Centre, Suamico
Notre Dame Academy
610 Maryhill Dr, Green Bay
Active Chiropractic
502 Greene Ave, Green Bay
St. Mary Parish
4805 Sportsman Dr, De Pere
Salon Forte
2071 Central Ct #C, Green Bay
You can make monetary donations here.
