Need a coat? Here’s what you need to know
It’s not too late to donate a coat to help a child stay warm this winter or find help for your family. Read below to find out about donating or getting help where you live.
Twin Cities Metro Help
The annual Twin Cities Coats for Kids drive runs through Oct. 18. To donate, take new or clean, gently used coats and winter accessories to one of our following Coats for Kids partners:
- All metro-area Cub Foods
- All metro-area Kowalski’s Markets
- Salvation Army Worship & Service Centers
- See additional Twin Cities drop-off locations
You can also give online to help buy new coats. A $15 donation covers the cost of a warm winter coat for a child in need. This year, that money goes twice as far, Alerus Mortgage is matching all financial donations up to $30,000.
Coats will be distributed on Oct. 29 in the Twin Cities from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., or until supplies run out. Families with kids age 17 and under can shop for a coat on a first come, first served basis. Here are the details about getting help in the Twin Cities, including how to register and which location you should go to.
Winter Gear in Greater Minnesota
Free winter coats and gear are already being distributed in other parts of the state.
In Virginia, Fergus Falls and St. Cloud, coats can be donated anytime and they are distributed year round. However, St. Cloud is holding its largest coat distribution for children now through Oct. 9 at the St. Cloud Salvation Army.
Mankato’s “Bundle Me Warm” shop opens Oct. 19 – Nov. 13. Families who need winter gear can “shop” for free, for all family members. All are invited to come for gently used and new winter clothing a total of three times during the period. “Bundle Me Warm” is at The Salvation Army Worship and Service Center, 700 S. Riverfront Drive.
In Willmar, coats will distributed at The Salvation Army on Oct. 21 and 22 at 512 SW Fourth St.
Staying Warm in North Dakota
In the Fargo area, coats are being distributed at The Salvation Army Activity Center in Moorhead on Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Oct. 12-15 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The activity center is located at 1503 1st Ave. N. in Moorhead. Coats and winter accessories are available for all age groups.
In Grand Forks, distribution of coats for all age groups is Friday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. To receive a coat, you must apply and meet eligibility requirements.
In Jamestown, coats will be given out Oct. 20 – 23 at The Salvation Army, 320 1st Ave. North. This winter gear distribution is not just for kids, but people of all ages who need everything from snowsuits to hats, scarves, mittens, gloves and boots.
In Williston coats were collected throughout the month of September at a number of locations and will be distributed to children Oct. 13 – 16. Distribution is from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 3 p.m. each day at 15 South Main St. in Williston.