Keep Kids Warm
Ensuring every child in Ishpeming faces winter with a warm coat on their back.
About the Program
The Keep Kids Warm program is one of Wesley UMC's most beloved community outreach initiatives. Each fall, we collect new and gently used winter clothing — coats, hats, mittens, scarves, boots, and snow pants — and distribute them free of charge to children in the Ishpeming area who need them most.
Michigan winters are brutal. No child should face the cold without proper gear. Through the generosity of our congregation and community partners, we've provided thousands of warm items to local families over the years. It's love in action.
We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Project Keep Kids Warm! Seeing the joy and pride on the children's face as they receive their brand-new snow gear is truly heartwarming. Parents express sincere appreciation for the support in providing the little ones with high-quality properly fitting winter gear to keep them warm during the chilly UP months.
— Community Partner
How You Can Help
Donate Coats & Winter Clothing
New or gently used winter coats, snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, and scarves for children of all sizes.
Make a Financial Gift
Monetary donations help us purchase items when donations fall short of the need. Every dollar goes directly to children.
Volunteer Your Time
Help sort, size, and distribute clothing. We especially need volunteers during drop-off and distribution events.
Spread the Word
Tell families with children in need that we're here. No applications or income verification required.
Give to Keep Kids Warm
Your financial gift goes directly toward purchasing winter gear for children in our community. Every dollar makes a difference — thank you for your generosity.
What Families Are Saying
I want to relay how much your generous program has helped my family this year, and express my gratitude! Many families go through life struggles. This year I was served divorce papers after 15 years of marriage that was not foreseen. I currently have 4 kids ages 14, 12, 8 and 6. With the new single income and continuing to try to provide for the family homestead while going through the messiness of divorce — the relief you provide with your donations of all the winter gear have helped keep all 4 of my kids dry and warm throughout the winter season. I am so very thankful for these gifts and will continue to support this project hopefully in the future when I can give back! Thank you again so much for your support this year!
— Community Parent
The Keep Kids Warm project has been a true blessing for my family and many others in our community. As parents, we do our best to provide for our children, but the sheer number of things they need adds up fast. Winter gear is just one more expense, and for many families, it's a struggle to budget for warm coats, boots, and gloves every single year. This program removes that burden. It ensures kids have brand-new, high-quality winter gear, giving them the ability to play outside, get to school safely, and simply enjoy being kids — without worrying about the cold. The support is anonymous, judgment-free, and truly life-changing. I cannot express enough how much this program has meant to us. To those who make this possible — your generosity is making a real impact. You may never see the smiles firsthand, but I promise, they are there.
— Community Parent
Drop-off Location
801 Hemlock Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849 | Office hours: Mon–Fri, 9 AM–4:30 PM