By Kana Coonce

Contributing Writer

CENTRAL WISCONSIN – A central Wisconsin woman is working to collect 2,500 new and lightly-used bras for women in need, to be delivered to women’s shelters in the area in time for Valentine’s Day.

Jacquelyn Tolksdorf has been running bra drives since 2020, when she noticed that bras are often forgotten by even the most well-meaning donators.

Though that year’s goal was 500 bras, this year, Tolksdorf’s aspirations are higher.

“More and more shelters and hospitals are in need of new and non-used bras,” said Tolksdorf. “Bras are often something women forget when quickly fleeing a domestic abuse situation or when they end up in the hospital without the safety to go back home and collect their belongings from their abuser. It’s a highly needed item to donate to shelters that most donees feel weird about donating.”

This year, Tolksdorf hopes to collect 2,500, a goal she is reaching out to brands like Spanx and Savage X Fenty to help her meet.

“I’m calling for more brands around America to help donate with the help of the lovely ladies locally, in the area who donated theirs,” Tolksdorf said.

Included in Tolksdorf’s list of bra distribution recipients are: The Women’s Community, Inc., Shirley’s House of Hope and Hannah Center Inc.

Tolksdorf urges any central Wisconsin area shelters to reach out if they would like to be considered for donations.

Donations will be accepted through the end of January in order to meet Tolksdorf’s delivery deadline of Valentine’s Day.

Current drop-off spots include Verve Salon, located in Weston, and LIFT gym in Wausau.

If you are interested in donating new or lightly-used bras or in volunteering your business as a drop-off point for donations, visit  www.facebook.com/unglitch.io or email [email protected]