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Milwaukee Winter Coat Drives: Where to Get Free Gear and How to Donate Before the Cold Bites
As temperatures drop, Milwaukee organizations are hosting coat giveaways and clothing drives throughout November and December, offering free winter gear for children and adults while calling for donations of coats, hats, gloves and other essentials.
With winter approaching, Milwaukee organizations are mobilizing to ensure residents have access to warm clothing, hosting a series of coat giveaways and ongoing donation drives across the city.
The efforts come as the region prepares for the worst of the cold season, with multiple events scheduled from mid-November through late December. The drives target children and adults in need, offering free coats, hats, gloves and other winter gear, while also soliciting donations of new and gently used items.
On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Milwaukee Hope Initiative Inc. will distribute childrenâs coats from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1617 W. North Ave. Registration is required, and the organization is also accepting monetary donations. That same day, Muskego Way Forward will host a Community Closet event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Milwaukee Community Crossroads, 807 S. 14th St., offering free clothing for all ages and sizes, including some winter items. Donations of winter clothing will also be accepted at that event.
Later in the month, Dream Team United WI will give away winter clothing at its eighth annual Breaking Bread Community Thanksgiving Day Feast on Thursday, Nov. 26, from noon to 3 p.m. at North 35th and West Center streets. The group is seeking donations of new winter coats, gear and personal hygiene products, as well as monetary contributions.
On Friday, Dec. 18, Hand In Hand Solutionz LLC and partner organizations will hold a first-come, first-served coat, hat and glove giveaway at 2939 W. Kilbourn Ave. from 5 to 8 p.m. Those interested in contributing new or gently used coats and new winter gear, or sponsoring the event, can text or call 414-758-6878 or email handinhandsolutionz@gmail.com.
Beyond these events, several organizations provide free winter items on an ongoing basis. The MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary Doorway Ministry, at 2461 W. Center St., distributes a weekâs worth of food and basic needs items, including clothing and winter gear, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Donations are accepted Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Repairers of the Breach, 1335 W. Vliet St., operates a clothing pantry open Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. and as needed for emergencies. The organization urgently needs donations of menâs and womenâs underwear but accepts adult garments of all kinds between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Capuchin Community Servicesâ Clothing Closet allows clients to select free clothing and winter gear by appointment from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at House of Peace, 1702 W. Walnut St. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 414-933-1300, and participants must bring an ID. Donations can be dropped off at House of Peace during those hours or at St. Benâs Community Meal, 930 W. State St., from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.
The Ladies of Charity Milwaukee runs the Childrenâs Clothing Center at 621 S. 4th St. from September through April. Families with children in pre-school through high school who need clothing should contact their schoolâs social worker or principal for a referral and voucher. The center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second Saturday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. A typical package includes a winter coat, hoodie, hat, gloves, five shirts, three pairs of pants, seven pairs of socks, seven pairs of underwear and extra items like pajamas.
The Salvation Army of Milwaukee Countyâs Coats for Kids program offers coats, hats and winter gear for children and adults at its Distribution Center, 5880 N. 60th St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays until Dec. 2, and on Wednesdays after Jan. 6. The Salvation Army Citadel Corps, 4129 W. Villard Ave., allows walk-ins on weekdays until Dec. 25 and after Jan. 4. Additional options are available at Greenfield and Oak Creek locations. Donations can be made at FOX6 Coats for Kids drive locations or year-round at the Distribution Center on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Father Geneâs Help Center, 5919 W. National Ave. in West Allis, welcomes clients to pick out clothes and accessories from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Participants must bring a photo ID and can shop once every 90 days. Donations are accepted at the back entrance from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The center currently has a great need for winter clothing, athletic shoes and menâs casual wear.
For those seeking emergency assistance, IMPACT 211 provides the latest information on urgent needs.
Several ongoing donation drives are also underway. FOX6 Coats for Kids is seeking new or gently used winter coats in all sizes, as well as new hats, mittens and scarves, through Dec. 6 for the Salvation Armyâs program. Donations can be dropped off at any participating Steinhafels, Salvation Army or Landmark Credit Union location. The Milwaukee Rescue Mission accepts donations of winter gear and other clothing at 830 N. 19th St. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its urgent needs include winter coats for men, women, children and teens, body wash, deodorant, new womenâs and girlsâ underwear and childrenâs pajamas.
Organizers encourage residents to check event details and requirements, such as registration or ID, before attending. For those able to give, donations of warm clothing and other essentials can make a significant difference for neighbors facing the cold.