Milwaukee Public Schools – Mitten Tree Drive
5225 W Vliet St, Room 131, Milwaukee, WI 53208. Telephone (414) 475-8062. For over 10 years, MPS Central Services staff and the community have donated thousands of winter accessories for MPS students to ensure that their heads and hands are covered during our cold Wisconsin winters. The MPS Mitten Tree Drive is held annually starting October 1 thru January 31. For more information check here https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/en/Community/Get-Involved/Mitten-Tree-Drive.htm.
South Milwaukee Human Concerns
Address is 1029 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee, WI 53172. (414) 764-5340.
Programs are only for residents of the 53172-zip code. Clothing, including at Christmas, winter coats, small toys for children. Other items may be passed out both year-round and at the holidays.
Capuchin Community Services
They hold a Christmas Toy drive. Children under the age of 10 can be provided a present. Everything from free gifts such as games, dolls, small electronics, match box cars and much more are needed by the charity. There may also be free holiday meals (Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas) for the low-income in Milwaukee, including homeless or unemployed. In addition, they offer a food pantry, clothing, legal assistance and health services.
- House of Peace - Is a collection point. The address is 1702 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53205. Main phone number is (414) 933-1300.
- Or try the partner St. Ben's Community Meal. The address is 930 W. State Street. Milwaukee, WI 53233. Call (414) 271-0135.
All Saints Catholic Church
Mailing address is 4051 N 25th St, Milwaukee, WI 53209. Call (414) 444-5610
Mostly hot meals are served at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Clients range from the homeless to working low-income families and anyone seeking companionship in Milwaukee County.
Toys for Tots of Milwaukee/Waukesha
The Marine Corps partners with non-profits, corporations and charities in the area. Thousands of children from working low-income households are normally given a free Christmas gift each year, but this depends on what is donated. Get games, books, free toys such as Legos, educational or video games, clothes, dolls for girls and more. Residents that want to register can do so online. Application sites include the following.
In Milwaukee as well as Waukesha County, the main Toys for Tots sites are below. There are other sites too. Find details here https://milwaukee-wi.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=100&nPreviewInd=200&nRedirectInd=3.
Saint Benedict's Community
Address: 1015 N 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Dial (414) 271-0135
Free holiday food boxes, groceries and other support. Children and teens may be given small Christmas stocking stuffers too.
Milwaukee Catholic Charities
Various churches help the poor, elderly, single moms and others in the region. The charity has free food pantries and soup kitchens, for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Parents can also shop for items for their kids, including Christmas toys, computers, sneakers, winter attire, electronics and so much more. A focus in of ensuring children as well as the elderly in Waukesha and Milwaukee County have financial help, behavioral health services, food, crisis support and holiday assistance. More on Catholic Charities assistance in Milwaukee County.
Saint Vincent De Paul Society
There are a few sites of this charity. Food boxes are provided. Based on donation levels, other holiday assistance ranges from clothes to winter boots, small gifts, and more. The charity can also refer clients to financial aid and social services.
- To request for help either complete the form here https://svdpmilw.org/request-help.aspx or call at (414) 462-7837 and leave a message on extension 110.
- SVDP Meal Program 931 W Madison St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204. Telephone (414) 649-9555.
Salvation Army Centers in Milwaukee WI
Various social services and basic needs are provided including emergency shelter and a free holiday meal. Help at Christmas is available from Adopt a Family, and the charity also has hot meals. There may be free toys, school supplies, and even emergency financial aid for certain living expenses. Get gift cards, Christmas presents for kids or the elderly and other items.
In addition, the Christmas Toy Drive partners with the Salvation Army. Toys are collected for children in Southeastern Wisconsin. There are also small holiday events held. The Salvation Army will pass the items out to clients.
- Cold Springs Corps at 2900 W. Cold Spring Road as well as The Salvation Army Oak Creek Corps at 8853 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154. Dial (414) 762-3993 (Oak Creek) or (414) 763-9797 (Cold Spring).
- The Salvation Army Social Services and Thrift Store Distribution Center -Address is 5880 N 60th St, Milwaukee, WI 53218. Call (414) 464-2940.
- The Salvation Army Emergency Lodge which is based at 1730 N 7th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205. For registration, dial (414) 265-6360.
- Citadel Corps location is 4129 W Villard Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209. For information, dial (414) 463-3300.
- The Salvation Army West Corps is for residents on that side of town. Address- 1645 N 25th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205. Telephone - (414) 342-9191.
- The Salvation Army Wisconsin and Upper Michigan location is 11315 W. Watertown Plank Rd. Main phone (414) 302-4300.
Journey House, Inc.
Community Center address is 2110 W Scott St, Milwaukee, WI 53204. Call (414) 647-0548.
They help low-income families, the homeless, and people with addictions (among others) can holiday assistance for their kids, including free Christmas toys, gifts, games and more.
The Cathedral Center, Inc.
Charity Address: 845 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Dial (414) 831-0394.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Charity address: 830 N 19th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233. Main Phone: (414) 344-2211.
Free holiday assistance for shelter guests, Christmas gifts, toys, games, food and more is provided. They also support people living in poverty as well as single moms (or dads) that need a Xmas toy for their kids.
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center
5460 N 64th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218. Main phone - (414) 463-7950.
Donations come from corporations, businesses, and individuals. There is a December Wrap Party in which Christmas gifts may be passed out. Resources for clients include clothing, books, occasional gently used computers, and more.
Hope Network-Single Mothers
N88W17658 Christman Rd. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. Dial (262) 251-7333
Single mothers in Milwaukee and Waukesha County can get help. There are free Christmas gifts for kids, baby items, food, and more. The assistance is combined with referrals and long-term support. Their website for assistance is https://www.hopenetworkinc.org/connect/contact-us/.
United Way referral services and the Toy shop - Milwaukee residents can learn about The Christmas Giving program and other resources from charities, churches, and more. There may be Thanksgiving meals or holiday toys. The agencies use donations from the community and parishioners at churches. Low-income families with children are provided gifts, clothing, and presents, or given referrals by calling 211. Meals are also served during Thanksgiving by the Milwaukee County churches too.
When it comes to the Toy Shop, referrals are needed for this free Christmas toy program. Families can call upon local community churches, social service agencies, Catholic Charities, school teachers or social workers as well as Salvation Army program staff. There are toys, games, gifts, and more for all parts of the county except 53110, 53129, 53130, 53132, 53108, 53154, 53172, 53228, 53207, 53220, 53221, and 53235. Residents in these counties can also seek free items for a family.
- Residents living in poverty as well as senior citizens may be provided gifts and presents. There may be dress clothes, gifts cards to pay for groceries, gasoline vouchers, toys, and meals for people of all ages. There is also a Christmas party held for children. Call 211.
Life Center Milwaukee
5511 W Burleigh St, Milwaukee, WI 53210. Telephone – (414) 755-9696. They help with creating a community of support by providing free resources and services that address immediate and long-term needs in the areas of hunger, poverty, addiction, abuse, and education. The efforts of Life Center are focused not only on addressing the symptoms of poverty, but also on meeting the needs of individuals with the goal of restoring their hopes and dreams, and bringing wholeness to their lives. They also have a food pantry to give relief to families in the communities and after school care/tutoring.