Winter Gear Drive 2026 Coming Soon!
Providing warm clothing as protection from the elements is a basic need.
United way of Freeborn County has hosted a Winter Gear Drive on an annual basis for several years. The program originated with the Freeborn County Multi-Disciplinary Team to provide winter gear to children only. In 2019, the Winter Gear Drive significantly expanded its model to provide coats for all community members in need. The resulting current model is a two-pronged approach to ensure the greatest impact on our community.
Approach 1: United Way staff work directly with school social workers and other area human service providers. Staff will deliver coats directly to the school or agency requesting the items, often filling a need before the person in need leaves for the day. This service is available year-round but ramps up in September and October as school staff get to know students and their needs.
Approach 2: Community distribution dates are open several dates between the months of October-December. Community members are invited to shop for themselves and their families, giving the opportunity to have dignity and empowerment of choice.
Please drop off items in one of our drop boxes around town or at our office during office hours.
Office hours are from 11 am - 1 pm
Monday, December 15th
and
Wednesday, December 17th
Our offices will be closed December 20th-January 13th.
The Winter Gear Drive at United Way of Freeborn County benefits those families in our community who meet the income eligibility requirements below. If you do not qualify for our program based on your income, please contact 211 for other resources for which you may qualify.
Need Winter Gear? You may shop ONCE during this season during the times below. No appointment or documents are needed. We will ask you basic information about what you're looking for. If you are unable to find what you need, we save your information and email or call you if the item comes in.
Thursday November 12th, 2026: Noon- 2:00PM
Thursday November 19th, 2026: Noon- 2:00PM
Wednesday December 2nd, 2026: 4:00-6:00 PM
Wednesday December 9th, 2026: 4:00-6:00 PM
Thursday December 17th, 2026: Noon- 2:00PM
Want to save time when you come? Let us know ahead of time what type of Winter Gear you need, and in what sizes! Fill out the form here!
We have winter gear drop boxes at many businesses around Freeborn County. Please drop new and/or gently used winter gear in one of the United Way Winter Gear Drive boxes around town. If you'd prefer, you can drop off winter gear directly to our office during office hours Mondays and Wednesdays between 11 am - 1 pm.
Click here or the icon below to view our list of drop off locations throughout Freeborn County!
The Winter Gear Drive cannot exist without the support of our generous donors!
Click here or the icon below to make a monetary donation to support the Winter Gear Drive!
Are you a social worker or human service provider and have a family you'd like to refer to us for winter gear or other resources?
One of our staff members will contact you as soon as possible regarding your request. If you need to reach somebody immediately, please call our office at 507-373-8670, or to access other resources, call the United Way's 211 line. Thank you!
For a direct referral, please click here or on the icon below to fill out the referral form.
