For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Even though winter is months away, Rotary Winter Wonderland is still fulfilling its mission of feeding the hungry of central Wisconsin. Rotary Winter Wonderland recently donated a record $40,000 to 28 local food pantries throughout central Wisconsin, including a $5,000 donation to the Nutrition On Weekends program offered through the Marshfield Area United Way.

“The mission of Rotary Winter Wonderland extends well beyond our winter collections,” said Winter Wonderland Steering Committee Chair Dale Smith. “Through the generosity of those who visit our display in November and December and our event sponsors, we continue to help those in need in central Wisconsin all year around.”

Rotary Winter Wonderland had a record-setting year in 2015 and collected more than 62,000 nonperishable food items. In total, Rotary Winter Wonderland has donated more than 450,000 items since it began in 2006.

The 2016 season will be getting started shortly. For more information on upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit rotarywinterwonderland.com.