It’s a good time to gear up for winter before the worst of the cold hits Milwaukee.
Here’s where you can find free winter coats, hats, gloves and other gear, or donate to help others stay bundled up this season.
If we missed a coat giveaway or resource, please email me at mmelland@milwaukeenns.org.
Winter coat and clothes giveaways
Hope Loves the Kids 2026 Winter Coat Giveaway: Saturday, Nov. 14
Milwaukee Hope Initiative Inc. will be distributing children’s coats from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1617 W. North Ave. Registration is required. The organization also accepts monetary donations. More information here.
Muskego Way Forward Community Closet: Saturday, Nov. 14
Muskego Way Forward is hosting a Community Closet event with free clothing for all ages and sizes, including some winter clothing, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Milwaukee Community Crossroads, 807 S. 14th St. The group also will be accepting donations of winter clothing that day.
Breaking Bread Community Thanksgiving Day Feast 2026: Thursday, Nov. 26
Dream Team United WI will be giving away winter clothing items at its eighth annual Thanksgiving meal event from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26 at North 35th and West Center streets. Contact DreamTeamMKE@gmail.com to donate new winter coats, gear and personal hygiene products or to make a monetary donation. More information here.
Coat, Hat & Glove Drive and Giveaway: Friday, Dec. 18
Hand In Hand Solutionz LLC and other partner organizations are hosting a first-come, first-served coat, hat and glove giveaway at 2939 W. Kilbourn Ave. from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18. Text or call 414-758-6878 or email handinhandsolutionz@gmail.com to contribute new or gently used coats and new winter gear, donate to or sponsor the event. More information here.
Organizations that provide free winter items
MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary Doorway Ministry
The ministry distributes a week’s worth of food and basic needs items like clothing and winter gear to clients at 2461 W. Center St. on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Contact the ministry at 414-404-0600. Donations are accepted on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More information here.
Repairers of the Breach
Repairers of the Breach has a clothing pantry open from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays and as needed for emergencies at 1335 W. Vliet St. You can contact them at 414-342-9323. The organization is in need of donations of men’s and women’s underwear but accepts donations of adult garments of all kinds between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. More information here.
Capuchin Community Services
Clients can select free clothing and winter gear at the Capuchin Community Services’ Clothing Closet by appointment from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at House of Peace, 1702 W. Walnut St. Call 414-933-1300 to schedule an appointment and bring an ID. More information here.
Donations can be dropped off at House of Peace from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or at St. Ben’s Community Meal, 930 W. State St., from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. More information on donating here.
Children’s Clothing Center
The Ladies of Charity Milwaukee runs the Children’s Clothing Center, 621 S. 4th St., from September through April. If you have a child in pre-school to high school in the greater Milwaukee area who is in need of clothing, reach out to the social worker or principal at your child’s school to be referred and receive a voucher for the program.
Bring your voucher to the center to receive clothing items on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or the second Saturday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. A child normally gets a winter coat, hoodie, hat, gloves, five shirts, three pairs of pants, seven pairs of socks, seven pairs of underwear and some extra items like pajamas. More information here.
The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County – Coats for Kids
Coats, hats and winter gear for children and adults are available at the Salvation Army 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.
There are also options available at the Greenfield and Oak Creek locations. Donations can be made to the FOX6 Coats for Kids drive locations or year-round at the Distribution Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. More information here.
Father Gene’s Help Center
Father Gene’s Help Center, at 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 will need to 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. on Mondays through Thursdays. There is currently a great need for winter clothing, athletic shoes and men’s casual wear. Contact 414-258-4357 to learn more. More information here.
IMPACT 211
IMPACT 211 will have the latest information on any emergency needs.
Ongoing donation drives
FOX6 Coats for Kids
FOX6 is seeking new or gently used winter coats in all sizes and new hats, mittens and scarves through Dec. 6 for the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program. Donations can be dropped off at any participating Steinhafels, Salvation Army or Landmark Credit Union location. More information here.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
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. Current urgent needs include winter coats for men, women, children and teens, body wash, deodorant, new women’s and girls’ underwear and children’s pajamas. More information here.
Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.
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