MILWAUKEE – The holidays came early on Milwaukee’s north side on Saturday, Dec. 21

At “We Got This Garden” near 9th and Ring, kids were able to pick out gifts to give to a parent, guardian, or other family members.

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“Around this time of the year, parents, guardians loved ones – they want to make their kids feel as special as they can,” said Meg Bruzan, team leader with We Got This Milwaukee. “We thought it would just be really great for kids to be able to give back a little bit to those families that do so much every single day of the year.”

The event was new this year. It was made possible due to donations, which the organization accepts online. 

In the summer, “We Got This Garden” welcomes neighborhood kids to learn the basics of gardening – and earn some money in the process. 

Data shows that the 53206 area is one of the most incarcerated ZIP codes in the nation. There are also health and poverty concerns. 

By Ascension Wisconsin

Amid laughter and holiday cheer, 26 families from across Milwaukee gathered for the 5th Annual Blanket of Love Christmas Dinner, hosted at Ascension Ebenezer Resource Center, located at Ebenezer Church of God in Christ.

The Blanket of Love program, a year-round initiative by Ascension Wisconsin, provides expectant mothers and families with essential support, education, and resources aimed at reducing infant mortality and promoting family wellness. The Christmas dinner brought families together to celebrate the season with games, ornament-making, a shared meal, gift-giving, and a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Families from across Milwaukee shared dinner and learned more about Ascension’s Blanket of Love program.

“I have been coming to Blanket of Love for years. Ascension has helped support me with all three of my pregnancies,” said Alexsis Bailey-Grier. “This program is a true blessing for the community.”

The program fosters a sense of community through health and wellness education, shared meals, and connections with Ascension nurses, social workers, and patient navigators.

Children had fun playing games, making ornaments and creating art.

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This year alone, more than 5,000 families have benefited from the educational, social, and healthcare resources provided through Ascension Wisconsin’s Blanket of Love program. These services are delivered through Ascension hospitals, 36 Milwaukee churches, neighborhood centers, and community partners.

“One of the most important things we do in Blanket of Love is recognize the importance of family all year long but especially during the holiday season,” said Brenda Hoskins, MSW, an Ascension Wisconsin social worker. “Some parents tell me this is a particularly hard time of year for them. When we come together in celebration, it brings a feeling of connectedness through community.”

Families celebrated being together and making Christmas memories.

The program’s overarching goal is to ensure more children in Milwaukee are born healthy and strong, giving them the chance to celebrate their first birthday.

“Education builds the foundation of behaviors and habits that have a positive impact on an individual’s health,” said Julia Means, Ascension RN and Blanket of Love founder.

“When we say ‘blanket of love’ we mean we wrap you in a blanket of love,” Means said. “We want our families to know they are loved and valued and that love spreads throughout our community. Christmas is a time to spread and share love.”

For more information please visit https://www.behealthybeyou.org/programs-bol or call 414-465-4587. Donations for Ascension Wisconsin Blanket of Love can be made to the Ascension Wisconsin Foundation at: giveAWF.org/community-giving.

Associated Press

Washington Wizards (4-21, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (14-12, fifth in the Eastern Conference)

Milwaukee; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Bucks -12.5; over/under is 226.5

BOTTOM LINE: Washington travels to Milwaukee looking to end its 10-game road skid.

The Bucks are 12-11 against Eastern Conference opponents. Milwaukee is 2-3 in one-possession games.

The Wizards are 3-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Washington is ninth in the Eastern Conference with 33.1 defensive rebounds per game led by Jonas Valanciunas averaging 5.4.

The Bucks are shooting 48.3% from the field this season, 0.7 percentage points higher than the 47.6% the Wizards allow to opponents. The Wizards are shooting 44.2% from the field, 1.2% lower than the 45.4% the Bucks’ opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, six assists and 1.5 blocks for the Bucks.

Jordan Poole is scoring 20.6 points per game with 2.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Wizards.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 7-3, averaging 113.5 points, 41.7 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 7.1 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game.

Wizards: 2-8, averaging 106.6 points, 46.0 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 7.8 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.1 points.

INJURIES: Bucks: Damian Lillard: day to day (calf).

Wizards: Saddiq Bey: out (knee), Kyle Kuzma: out (ribs).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.