CELEBRATING OVER 30 YEARS
OF KEEPING KIDS WARM!
Our mission has always been to ensure that every needy child receives a warm coat for the cold Michigan winters.
Learn More About Us
Coats for Kids is dedicated to providing warmth and comfort to those in need. Each year, we distribute warm clothing to schools, baby pantries, shelters, veterans, social workers, and various other community organizations like Head Start, Early Head Start, Fish Gift House, Coat Closets, and homeless missions. Our efforts primarily serve Iosco, Ogemaw, Alcona, and Arenac counties, while also reaching other parts of Northeastern Michigan. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and individuals by ensuring they stay warm during the colder months of our Northern Michigan weather.
Our Initiatives
Fundraising
Thanks to your support, the Perchville Fish Hats project has raised over $30,000 since the first scarf was created years ago by the knitting group at Grace Lutheran Church in East Tawas.
So please come and look at our handiwork, available at O’Connors and the Brew Krew on Newman Street in East Tawas from Thanksgiving until they are gone, and hopefully help us keep the kids warm next winter.
In 2025 we received our largest single event donation to date. Thank you to the Michigan State Police for all of their continued support. They are just another one of the many local establishments that help Coats for Kids continue their mission of keeping children warm.
All of the money raised has been used to buy warm winter coats to give to the children through local schools, baby pantries, Head Start, social workers, the Fish Christmas Gift House, et cetera.
Coats for Kids and the MSP
Over the years Coats for Kids and The Michigan State Police have teamed up to raise money in many different ways to buy more coats for the children of Michigan. Since 2020 we have teamed up to "Fill the Blue Goose", which is always a fun, and cold, way to spend a January day with the first responders of the local area. Recently The Michigan State Police chose Coats for Kids as the main recipient for proceeds from their annual Team Golf Outing then played at Huron Breeze Golf Club.
Coats for Kids have enjoyed a long, and continuing relationship with the outstanding men and women of the Michigan State Police.
MSP Donating Proceeds from
Huron Breeze Golf Shootout
Fist Responders coming together at one of the Michigan State Police "FIll the Blue Goose" events on a lovely 20° day in Michigan.
These events bring great exposure to our cause, and help raise many more coats for the needy children of NE Michigan.
Over the years, more than 30,000 coats have helped families in need — not just children, but older siblings, parents, and even grandparents. Today, we continue that mission by distributing over 1,200 new coats and 350 pairs of boots each year, along with hats, gloves, snow pants, socks, and other winter essentials that help keep our community warm.
Coats for Kids set up shop at the Heavy Equipment Show in Oscoda, Mi. And what a show it was with all sorts for heavy machinery, huge 100' Sky Lifts, and First Responders making every child's day by letting them play with the lights and sirens on a local Sheriff's cruiser.
Our main goal was to pass out our newly updated brochures to raise awareness of our cause, and goal to raise money for a new building.
We also brought along a few Fish hats to show what would be available this fall. We ended up selling every one of them on a hot day in the middle of summer! Wow, that was not expected? Thank you all who came and bought one!
Just another happening for the Coats for Kids crew.
Happenings
Every year, Coats for Kids partners with schools across Northeast Michigan to make sure children have the warm clothing they need for winter. During parent‑teacher conferences, we set up full distribution events where families can choose from a wide selection of brand‑new coats, boots, hats, gloves, and other essentials.
These events allow children to pick out the coat they truly want — the right size, the right color, even the latest trend. Watching a child light up because they get to choose their coat is one of the best parts of our work. For many, it’s the first brand‑new item they’ve ever owned, and the joy on their faces says everything.
We also make sure parents who are genuinely in need don’t leave empty‑handed. If a warm coat will help them get through the winter, we provide one without hesitation.
These moments of dignity, choice, and relief are why we return to these schools year after year.
Thank You
At Coats for Kids, every coat distributed represents the generosity of a caring community. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Make Way Move All and St. John's Charity for their extraordinary support. By donating trucks, transportation services, and dedicated volunteers, they help move thousands of coats and winter essentials from our warehouse to distribution events throughout our region. Their commitment ensures that children and families receive the warmth they need, and their partnership helps make our mission possible. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and dedication to serving our community.
A heartfelt thank you to the Iosco County News-Herald and reporter Gaylynn Brenoel for the wonderful feature on Coats for Kids and our planned building expansion.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story and the growing need for winter clothing assistance in our community. By helping raise awareness of our mission, the News-Herald continues to play an important role in connecting local organizations with the people who care about making a difference.
Thank you for supporting Coats for Kids and helping us reach more families across Iosco County.
Thank You
Thank you for all the support throughout the years. We couldn’t do it without you.
Grace ELCA, East Tawas
Iosco County Community Foundation
Consumers Energy Foundation
Alden & Vada Dow Family Foundation
Herbert H. & Grace Dow Foundation
Rollin Gerstacker Foundation
The Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation
US Gypsum Foundation
Tawas Whittemore Hale United Fund
Wendell & Doris Rogers Foundation
Walmart Corporation
Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union
American Legion, Elks, Lions, Eagles, Kiwanis, Rotary and VFW throughout Iosco County
Make-Way Move All
Murphy’s Furnishing
O’Connors
WKJC Radio, Tawas City
Brew Krew
State and local Police/Fire Responders
St. John’s Thrift Store and many other local businesses and residents.
Bless you all.