Coats for Kids is a nonprofit program and annual distribution event serving Polk and Burnett counties by giving out winter wear for ANY child in need.
Started in 2007 by Luann Ackerley and Sylvia Hansen with a simple goal in mind: to support our local community so no child will be without a coat in the winter. What began as a small event in Siren, Wisconsin promoted locally as hand-me-down winter donations has grown into an annual giveaway of new and like-new outerwear in Frederic, Wisconsin.
Coats for Kids has grown and changed throughout the years, as the program has been handed to the late Luann Ackerley’s children. But one thing has stayed the same: our mission is to help kids stay warm through the cold Wisconsin winter by raising funds which go directly toward purchasing new and like-new outerwear to help us reach kids in need.
In 2021, over 120 kids, from infant to teens were given winter coats, snow pants, boots, hats and mittens. This number has increased each year through generous contributions from local church members of New Hope Lutheran in Grantsburg and St. Lukes United Methodist in Frederic, as well as other local charitable organizations S.N.O.W.S. (Snow Neighbors Of West Sweden) and Angel Hands thrift shop, as well as OMJ Designs, and through grant funding from the Polk Burnett Operation Round Up program.
We accept donations year round at St. Lukes, with a donation box in the front door for all winter items. If you’re interested in a monetary donation or sponsoring a child, twenty dollars goes a long way. We accept cash or check and please specify in the memo or write it out to St. Lukes Methodist – Coats for Kids.
If you’re interested in buying a kid a cool new coat or some sweet new boots, we now have an Amazon wish list for our most needed items! Your purchase will go directly towards making some kid’s day and lightening the load for their caregiver.
If you’d like to learn more about how to get involved or volunteer at the Coats for Kids giveaway event, reach out today.
