Winter coats for refugees

Share the warmth by donating coats for refugees in Minnesota

We’re preparing for the winter ahead and need the community’s help! Imagine arriving in Minnesota as a refugee from a warm-weather country like Congo or Ethiopia, having never seen snow. Many of the arrivals we welcome don’t have the winter necessities needed to stay warm. Once it gets cold, however, we greet each new arrival at the airport with a coat that can stand up to Minnesota winters.

That’s where you come in. You can be a welcomer by organizing a winter coat drive!

We need men’s, women’s and children’s winter jackets in all sizes. Please organize a winter coat drive for newly arriving families and/or shop our Amazon Wish List. You can also drop off individual donations at our front desk, Monday – Friday, 8:45 a.m.- 5 p.m. (1694 Como Avenue, St. Paul 55104)

The jackets should be new or very gently used and laundered. Imagine the kind of thick winter jacket that would shield you from the frigid Minnesota winter while waiting at a bus stop. That’s what our students and clients need to stay warm. We are also accepting donations of other winter supplies in brand new condition like:

• hats
• warm mittens

For details about organizing a Winter Coat Drive and to spread the word, download our flyer to post at your drive site.

Winter outerwear donations matter so much, especially when we experience below zero temperatures. Having the right clothing means New Americans can feel safe and warm. You can make a difference by keeping our students and clients a little warmer and showing them, we make Minnesota welcoming.