BALTIMORE, MD (December, 19, 2014) —  The Department of Public Works today announced that it collected nearly 1,000 mittens, hats, scarves and gloves during this year’s annual Mitten Tree Campaign.

The annual giving campaign accepts donations from City employees and the general public to help keep children in need warm during the winter.  This was the 41st year for the campaign.  This year DPW was “smitten with mittens” as the campaign saw the largest collection of “mittens” in recent history.

An assortment of brand new items was collected during the campaign.  Donations consisted of a wide variety of colorful hats, scarves, and gloves of all types for kids, including actual mittens for the younger children.  Some items were hand-knitted.  A few pairs of socks were also donated to make sure little feet are kept warm.

Contributors to the campaign this year included the Departments of Transportation, General Services with donations coming in from a variety of city agencies including the cadets from the Baltimore Police Academy, daycare centers and youth centers.  Anyone could donate.  Some mailed in their mittens, others walked into the Abel Wolman Municipal building lobby, where the tree stands, and adorned the tree with their special mittens.

DPW kicked off the campaign on December 4.  Donations were accepted through December 18 and will be distributed through the Salvation Army’s Franklin Square Boys and Girls Club located at 215 Calhoun Street in West Baltimore.