The Rotary Club of Bettendorf is launching its fifth annual Rotary Blanket Drive in the Quad Cities, aiming to collect 4,000 blankets for those in need. The drive will run from Friday, Oct. 24, to Friday, Dec. 19.
Last year, the club initiative gathered more than 2,700 blankets, which were distributed to more than 20 non-profit organizations and senior living facilities including: Family Resources, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Argrow’s House, Bethany for Children and Families, and Project NOW.
“Thousands of less fortunate people in the Quad Cities need blankets every year,” said Ann Kappeler, a Blanket Drive committee member. “These can include the homeless, low-income families with children, and those staying in shelters.”
The drive also provides blankets to nursing home residents. This year’s goal of 4,000 blankets will help replenish supplies for many of these agencies.
KWQC will again support the cause by hosting a Blanket Donation Drive-Thru on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at its station at 805 Brady St., Davenport.
“We accept all size blankets, and while twins and ‘throws’ are very much in demand by the agencies, we easily find outlets for the larger queen and king size blankets,” said Joe Campion, the 2025 Blanket Drive chairman. “Every one of our 11,000 blankets donated over the last four years finds a much needy recipient.”
Donors are encouraged to provide gently used or new blankets. Financial donations also are welcomed and allow the Bettendorf Rotary Club to purchase heavier, twin blankets at a wholesale price of $10 each. Donations can be made online at RotaryBlanketDrive.org by clicking the “DONATE” link.
The Blanket Drive public drop-off locations are:
Bettendorf:
- Bettendorf Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive.
- K & K Hardware, 1818 Grant St.
- Duck Creek Tire, 4000 Middle Road.
- TBK Sports Plex, 4850 Competition Drive.
- Wallace’s Garden Center, 2605 Devil’s Glen Road.
- Bettendorf YMCA, 3800 Tanglefoot Lane.
Davenport:
- R. Richard Bittner YMCA, 630 E. 4th St.
- Utica Ridge YMCA, 4885 Utica Ridge Road.
- North YMCA, 624 W. 53rd St.
- West YMCA, 3503 W. Locust St.
Eldridge
- North Scott YMCA, 104 S. 3rd Ave.
