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. For program details, please email 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
Beginning January 7, 2026, we will welcome walk-ins for coats every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Salvation Army Citadel Corps
4129 N. Villard Avenue, Milwaukee
(414) 463-3300
We welcome walk-ins for coats from 9 am to 2 pm on weekdays,

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 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:

• 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 

Feed the Kids

In 2025, our Feed the Kids Program provided over 10,000 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.

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.

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.

Check back in October for information about Toy Shop 2026.

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.