In the heart of Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Salvation Army is leading a remarkable initiative that is transforming the lives of thousands of children and their families. The Coats for Kids program, a testament to the power of community generosity, is ensuring that no child is left out in the cold this winter season.

Empowering Families, Uplifting Spirits

A True Shopping Experience

The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay has created a unique shopping experience for families in need. Instead of simply handing out coats, the organization has transformed the Kroc Center gym into a makeshift store, complete with racks of coats for children to choose from. This approach allows families to select the perfect coat for their child, fostering a sense of dignity and ownership. "It makes all of the work and the hours worth it," says Becky Darrow, the Salvation Army's director of social services. "It's really fun. You feel good because you're seeing the smiles on their faces. You're seeing the relief on the parents' faces."

A Growing Need, a Heartwarming Response

This year, the Coats for Kids program has seen a significant increase in the number of children signed up to receive coats, with 4,500 children registered – a dramatic rise from previous years. Darrow acknowledges that this need is not a mere "want" but a necessity in the community, particularly in the harsh Wisconsin winters. "This isn't a want; this is a need in our community for Wisconsin, and so to be able to be a part of that and making sure you're meeting that need but also bringing joy to the kids so they can enjoy the winter is a really good experience," she explains.

Expanding Accessibility

In a move to accommodate more families, the Coats for Kids distribution has been expanded to two days, starting a day earlier than the traditional first Saturday in November. This change provides greater flexibility for families to access the program, ensuring that no child is left behind. "Not all of our programming involves kids, so when the kids come and they're squirrely and running around and trying on their coat it really is a fun experience," Darrow shares, highlighting the joy and excitement that the program brings to the community.

A Lifeline for Families in Need

For families who missed the Coats for Kids registration, there is still hope. The Salvation Army encourages them to call their local office on Monday, as there may be leftover coats available to meet their needs. This outreach demonstrates the organization's commitment to ensuring that every child in the community is warmly dressed and prepared to face the winter months.

The Power of Community Generosity

The success of the Coats for Kids program is a testament to the generosity of the Green Bay community. Through the donations of warm coats and financial contributions, thousands of children will be able to stay warm and comfortable this winter. Darrow expresses her gratitude, saying, "It's really fun. You feel good because you're seeing the smiles on their faces. You're seeing the relief on the parents' faces."The Coats for Kids initiative is more than just a distribution of winter apparel; it is a heartwarming display of community care and support. By empowering families, uplifting spirits, and ensuring that no child is left out in the cold, the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay is making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.