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.

Backpacks and School Supplies

Every child deserves the chance to succeed. Our Backpacks and School Supplies Program ensures that students from the Oak Creek/Franklin school district and outlying areas receive brand-new backpacks filled with the essentials they need for learning - giving them a strong start to the school year.

Stuff The Bus(STB)-We also host a Stuff The Bus(STB) Event at the End of July in anticpation of shipping our kids back to school in the Fall.  In 2026 The Stuff The Bus campaign will take place Thursday July 30, Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1.  This year our event will be at The Wal-Mart @ 10600 W Layton Ave. Greenfield, WI. 53228.

Thursday 10 - 6

Friday      10  - 6

Saturday 11 - 3

Although the STB event will be at the end of July we will be happy to take any donations at our Oak Creek Location weekdays between 8-4.

Back to School Bash(BTSB)- August 15, 2026 from 10AM to 1:00PM we will be hosting our annual Back to School bash(BTSB) here at The Salvation Army in Oak Creek, WI.  We are looking for local vendors to set up in our gym.  We also need volunteers to help stuff back backs for distriubution at the BTSB.

Vendors-Call us at 414.762.3993 to reserve space for your business. Ask for Isaiah, Jennifer or Rona

Volunteers call 414.762.3993 and ask for Isaiah, Mark or Jennifer

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 Oak Creek and localk suburbs. 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. 

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 Oak Creek Location all year round.  Weekdays between 8AM and 3PM

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