The Lindquist & Vennum Winter Closet Foundation

The Lindquist & Vennum Winter Closet Foundation is a Minnesota nonprofit corporation that provides new coats to disadvantaged children in the Minneapolis-St. Paul and Denver metro areas. Volunteers from the firm shop for clothing specifically requested by charitable organizations, schools, and daycare centers focused on providing services to children in need.

In the early fall, firm volunteers form committees that help with publicity, fund-raising, shopping, sorting and distribution. The coats are driven to the organizations and given to the children—many of whom have never owned a winter coat, let alone a new winter coat. Volunteers regularly remark how excited the children are to receive the coats and the beaming smiles the gift brings to their faces.

The Lindquist & Vennum Winter Closet Foundation began its work in 1992. Originally envisioned by Leonard Lindquist, a founding partner of the firm whose legacy is rooted in pro bono and public service, believed that no young child should go without a warm winter coat. The program has evolved from a seasonal coat drive into a year-round initiative. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012, the Foundation continues to be run entirely by firm volunteers, and now boasts a high-profile public campaign involving community partners including a local foundation, friends and clients of the firm, and professional sports organizations. Monies collected and the number of coats distributed have grown steadily each year. In 2010, the Foundation distributed more than 1100 coats and collected approximately $25,000 in donations. Through its buying power, the Foundation is able to leverage monetary donations and purchase coats at a substantial savings. Therefore, monetary donations are preferred.

The Lindquist & Vennum Winter Closet Foundation is recognized as a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. All donations to the Foundation are tax deductable.

2012 Lindquist & Vennum Winter Closet Foundation Campaign

The 2012 Winter Closet Campaign is underway and the firm is actively collecting new children's coats and monetary donations.  There are a number of ways that businesses and the general public can get involved:

• The firm has orders for new children's coats that need to be filled.  Contact us and ask for a child's "coat size" and shop for a new winter coat, specifically for that child.
• Donate money via check or PayPal that the firm can use to purchase new winter coats and fill the orders it has received.
• Gather your corporate spirit and make a group contribution (coats or monetary donation.)  You can even help us deliver the coats to a child care center or school.  Contact us to make arrangements!