Salvation Army of Saginaw, Michigan, Seeks Winter Coats as Critically Low Supply Meets Coats for Kids Distribution

The Salvation Army of Saginaw, Michigan, has started its annual Coats for Kids distribution, but organizers say the supply of winter coats is critically low. The program provides coats to children and families who may otherwise struggle to afford them as colder weather approaches.

Organizers say an unusually warm fall may have kept winter clothing off people’s minds, even as need among local families remains high. “We are extremely concerned about how few coats we have available this year,” said Captain Melinda Tripp of The Salvation Army of Saginaw. “With the weather being so warm, we think winter coats simply haven’t been on people’s minds yet.”

The organization says rising costs can make it difficult for families to buy winter clothing, especially for households with multiple growing children. Amy Wenzlick, social services supervisor with The Salvation Army of Saginaw, said the group is in particular need of coats in sizes 7 and 8, sizes 14, 16 and above, and adult sizes. “A lot of people don’t think children need adult-sized coats,” she said. “We absolutely need adult-size coats, and we don’t have very many of those at all.”

The Salvation Army also said it needs boys’ and girls’ coats in size 6/6X and boys’ coats in size 10/12. Organizers added that donations of winter coats in all sizes are welcome. The group is asking individuals, businesses, churches, schools and community organizations to donate new or gently used coats.

Donations can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Saginaw Corps & Community Center at 2030 N. Carolina St., Building A, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Coats can also be dropped off at the gym at 2024 N. Carolina St. on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. “We know how generous the Saginaw community can be, and right now, we truly need that generosity,” Tripp said. “It may be warm enough to go without a coat today, but we know how quickly Michigan weather can change.”

The Salvation Army says every coat donated can make an immediate difference as distribution continues (Matthew 25:35).

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