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 Salvation Army Oak Creek Centennial Corps

Families will automatically be assigned a distribution site at registration based on their zip code. Please do not come to Toy Shop unless you have registered and have an appointment date and time. Review your appointment letter or email to confirm your location, date, and time.

Toy Shop Registration is closed for all Milwaukee County zip codes. 

If you did not register and need gifts for your children, you may be able to receive toys through our limited Second Chance Toy Shop on December 23, 2025. Please fill out the form associated with your zip code. You will need to present proof of identity, address, children’s birthdates, financial need, and custody. Please see the extensive list below.

53110, 53129, 53130, 53132, 53154, 53172, 53207, 53220, 53221, 53228, or 53235: Complete this form.

For all other Milwaukee County zip codes, use this form.

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

Coats for Kids

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 at the following locations and dates:

Salvation Army Distribution Center
5880 N. 60^th Street, Milwaukee
(414) 464-2940
We will not be distributing any coats in December. Beginning January 7, 2026, we will welcome walk-ins for coats every Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Salvation Army Citadel Corps
4129 N. Villard Avenue, Milwaukee
(414) 463-3300
Walk in 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays through December 23, 2025 and again beginning January 5, 2026. There will be no coat distribution December 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

The Salvation Army Cold Spring Corps
2900 W. Cold Spring Rd, Greenfield
(414) 673-9797 
Please call for information about coats

Oak Creek Centennial Corps
8853 S. Howell Ave, Oak Creek
(414) 762-3993
Wednesdays in December, January, February by appointment make an appointment

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.
• We accept donations of new and gently-loved coats and new hats, mittens, and gloves year round at our Distribution Center, 5880 N. 60^th Street 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

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.