By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor
Those who have strolled past The Knot Haus Gift Gallery at 114 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Tomahawk recently have probably noticed a rack of coats near the shop’s entrance and scarves hanging on the light pole nearby.
The winter attire has been placed outside, free for the taking, for Tomahawk’s homeless population.
Knot Haus owner Char Andreachi says she became aware of Tomahawk’s homeless population of about 10 to 12 a few months ago, and that she was shocked that the number was so high.
Andreachi says she felt the need to help Tomahawk’s homeless folks, so she decided to try to get some coats donated to her cause. Along with a few of her own she donated herself, she hung the donated jackets on a coat rack outside her store, totally free of charge for those who need them.
There were nine jackets when she first put the rack outside her store on Nov. 1, Andreachi says. Since then, the number has been holding steady around 23.
“So there’s been people putting them on (the rack), and there’s been people who have been taking them,” Andreachi states. “So it’s working. I’m pretty happy about that.”
Andreachi notes that she started with four scarves on the pole in front of the Knot Haus, and that there are currently still a few there for those who may need one.
“I’m kind of calling my little campaign ‘Warm the People,’” Andreachi says. “Everybody needs to be able to have a break.” Andreachi adds that she’d like to implement a voucher program for hats and mittens as well.
Although Andreachi is grateful for all of the donated jackets, and she’s able to fix broken zippers and replace missing buttons herself, she asks that all donated jackets be in good shape.
Those who would like to donate a jacket have a pretty easy process to go through.
“Just hang it up,” Andreachi says.