The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County is dedicated to providing hope and practical support to families in need. Through a variety of community programs, we help children, individuals, and families overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

Toy Shop

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Toy Shop allows parents and guardians to personally choose new toys for their children for Christmas, at no charge to the family. Toy Shop is intended for custodial caregivers of children ages 0 to 12 residing in Milwaukee County. This program is supported the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Toys efforts as well as by in-kind donations from individuals and businesses in the community.

Toy Shop Event Dates: December 16 - 19, 2025 at The Salvation Army Distribution Center or December 19 – 20, 2025 at the Oak Creek Centennial Corps. Families will automatically be assigned a distribution site at registration based on their zip code.

Registration Information: Registration is required to participate in the Toy Shop. You can register online or in person from November 3 - December 3, 2025. The registration link is live at https://saangeltree.org/. 

Families can also register for Toy Shop registration at the following locations and dates:

Salvation Army Distribution Center
5880 N. 60^th Street, Milwaukee (414) 464-2940
November 3 – December 3: Mon, Tues, Wed 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (also Toy Shop registration) 

The Salvation Army Citadel Corps
4129 N. Villard Avenue, Milwaukee
(414) 463-3300
November 3 – December 3: Mon, Tues, Wed
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (also Toy Shop registration)

The Salvation Army Cold Spring Corps
2900 W. Cold Spring Rd, Greenfield
(414) 673-9797 
November 3 – December 3
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
2-5 p.m.

Oak Creek Centennial Corps
8853 S. Howell Ave, Oak Creek
(414) 762-3993
October 29 to December 10
Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (can also walk in for children’s and adult coats)

If you have questions about Toy Shop, review the frequently asked questions or contact us at OutreachMKE@usc.salvationarmy.org 

Coats for Kids

No child should have to face a Wisconsin winter without warmth. Through Coats for Kids, we provide new and gently used coats, hats, and winter gear to children across Milwaukee - helping them stay safe, warm, and ready to learn. This program is made possible thanks to community donations and our partnership with FOX6 News.

Coats for children and adults are available during walk-in Toy Shop registration at the following locations and dates:

Salvation Army Distribution Center
5880 N. 60^th Street, Milwaukee
(414) 464-2940
November 3 – December 3: Mon, Tues, Wed
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (also Toy Shop registration) 

The Salvation Army Citadel Corps
4129 N. Villard Avenue, Milwaukee
(414) 463-3300
November 3 – December 3: Mon, Tues, Wed
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (also Toy Shop registration)

The Salvation Army Cold Spring Corps
2900 W. Cold Spring Rd, Greenfield
(414) 673-9797 
November 3 – December 3
Call for appointment for coats or Toy Shop registration

Oak Creek Centennial Corps
8853 S. Howell Ave, Oak Creek
(414) 762-3993
October 29 to December 10
Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (can also walk in for children’s and adult coats)

Want to Support Coats for Kids?

Winter coats are collected at drop-off locations throughout the city and delivered to The Salvation Army, where dedicated volunteers sort and prepare them for cleaning - generously donated by ITU.

How You Can Help:

• Donate Coats: New and gently-loved coat donations can be dropped off at any participating Steinhafels and Landmark Credit Union locations November 3 - December 7, 2025.
• Donate Winter Accessories: New hats, mittens, and scarves are also needed.

If you have questions about Coats for Kids, please contact us at OutreachMKE@usc.salvationarmy.org 

Christmas Family Feast

This heartwarming event is free and open to everyone, bringing the community together to celebrate the holiday season with food, fellowship, and joy. The Christmas Family Feast is held annually at the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., on Christmas Day.

Each guest will enjoy a traditional homestyle holiday dinner, including:

• Oven-Roasted Turkey
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Tender Green Beans
• Holiday Dessert
• Refreshing Beverages

Thanks to the support of 400+ volunteers, the Christmas Family Feast provides over 4,000 meals to individuals and families each year. 

We are grateful for the generosity of our 2024 community partners:

• We Energies Foundation
• MCTS
• Cedar Crest Ice Cream
• Hunger Task Force
• Roundy’s / Pick ‘n Save
• Baird Center
• Ascension Health Care
• Advocate Aurora Health
• Sysco
• Levy

Feed the Kids

Every summer, our Feed the Kids Program provides over 40,000 free lunches to children living in underserved neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee County. This critical initiative helps ensure that kids have access to healthy, nutritious food when school is out.

Each meal includes a thoughtfully prepared combination of:

• A sandwich or yogurt
• A cheese stick
• Fresh fruit and/or vegetables
• Milk

These balanced meals are designed to fuel children’s bodies and minds, supporting their health and development throughout the summer.

Our caring staff delivers more than just food. At every stop, we offer encouragement, connection, and community support, helping children feel seen, valued, and nourished.

Meals are distributed Monday through Friday at various sites across Milwaukee County, with approximately 1,000 lunches served each weekday. Kids are encouraged to eat together, creating a shared experience that fosters friendship and community.

Backpacks and School Supplies

Every child deserves the chance to succeed. Our Backpacks and School Supplies Program ensures that students from select Milwaukee and Waukesha schools receive brand-new backpacks filled with the essentials they need for learning - giving them a strong start to the school year.

Partnering with WISN 12, the annual Class Act Telethon helps provide hundreds of children across both counties with fully stocked backpacks and the tools to thrive in the classroom.