EAGLE RIVER -- It was Christmas all over again at the Vilas County Public Health Department when Darlene and Dennis Wasielewski stopped in several laundry baskets full of gifts for infants. As part of an annual tradition, members of St. Albert’s Catholic Church of Land O’ Lakes and St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Phelps collect items for newborn babies. These contributions include new clothing, diapers, stuffed animals and blankets for expectant mothers.

        The Vilas County Public Health Department provides maternal health services to promote healthy pregnancies. The Department receives Federal grants from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to provide supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, their infants and children up to five years of age.

         “It is really heartwarming to experience the generosity of this community, even in tough economic times such as these,” said Gina Egan, Director, Health Officer. “The women who participate in the WIC program truly appreciate these gifts for their newborns.”

         The Vilas County Public Health Department offers a number of services to the community, ranging from immunizations and preventive health programs to environmental health services. For more information about the Vilas County Public Health Department, visit the website at www.VilasPublicHealth.com.