WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — While some cold weather shelters are opening their doors, two teens in Winter Haven are opening their hearts to help people stay warm when temperatures plummet.
Madison Whitmore and Carissa Goodwin, both 15 years old, are setting their sights on holiday gifts for neighbors in need.
"We make book bags with hygiene kits, gift cards, blankets, and socks," Madison Whitmore explained.
Madison has made a holiday tradition of donating to those experiencing homelessness since she was 9 years old.
"I do get a lot and I know that. So seeing other people get to experience those things makes me happy because I know that not everyone gets what I get. And being able to help families, especially kids and stuff like that, it's a good feeling," she said.
This year, she and her friend Carissa Goodwin aim to make 120 cold weather kits and look forward to distributing them locally ahead of the holidays.
"Just seeing the reactions of the people, because like they don't usually get things like this, and just making people happy makes me happy," Carissa said, explaining what drove her to join Madison.
For the second year, Madison is partnering with "The Mission," a day center for the homeless in Winter Haven, to distribute the bags. David Berry is its executive director.
"The fact that we do have this young generation that are craving the desire and just want to help other people... it makes me excited for what's to come," Berry said.
Berry said the blankets and socks are particularly helpful during the winter months.
"There's something about a blanket, even if you don't have a roof over your head, if you've got a blanket, it's a safe space. It's your little safe space of warmth," he added.
Madison and Carissa already plan to give more gifts of warmth and security in the years ahead.
"The more that we can get out, then it's more helpful to more people," Madison said.
If you would like to support their work in creating these cold weather kits, you can find their GoFundMe Page here.