Program Details
United Way Lakes and Prairie hosts the Warm Winter Wear Collection each fall to ensure families across our region have access to coats and cold weather essentials at no cost. This program serves people living in Douglas, Otter Tail, Pope, Todd, and Wadena Counties.
The program begins with a community collection drive. Local businesses, service clubs, organizations, and community members donate gently used or new winter items. Items may be dropped off at designated collection sites or directly at United Way offices.
After collection, volunteers, partners, and United Way staff work together to sort, prepare, and distribute the donations. Families can then attend distribution events to select the coats and warm accessories they need for the season.
This effort is hosted every October and brings vital resources to those who need them most.
Continue reading to learn how you can donate winter items or help at distribution events.
Need Winter Wear
United Way’s Warm Winter Wear Collection ensures that everyone in our community has access to the cold-weather essentials they need.
There are no income guidelines or qualifications to participate. Individuals and families are welcome to attend and select items for themselves or their immediate family members. To ensure that supplies reach as many households as possible, we kindly request that you take only one of each item per person in your family.
No pre-registration is required. Simply come to a distribution site and choose the items that best fit your family’s needs.
Distribution Dates & Locations
Distribution has ended for 2026 please check back next year for 2027 dates, times, and locations.
Hosting A Collection
Businesses, service clubs, and community groups are invited to host a Winter Wear Collection on behalf of United Way. By signing up through the form below, your organization will be added to our Collection Partnership list. We’ll provide follow-up communication on distribution dates and locations, along with the resources you need for a successful drive.
To make the process simple, here are a few key details about hosting a Warm Winter Collection:
- Please use your own box or container to collect donated items
- Close your collection on or before the program drop off date
- Use the flyer provided to promote your drive and display on your collection box
- Locations for drop off will be sent to you depending on your location across the region.
By joining as a collection partner, you’ll help ensure families across our region have the warm winter wear they need. To send us your interest in participating in 2026's collection drive, please fill out the form below and we will keep you updated with dates and flyers are the collection drive approaches!
DROP OFF LOCATIONS:
We are no longer accepting donations for this season.
