Every sweater has a story. Sometimes, it’s time for a new chapter. When you donate clothing to Port of Missions in Milwaukee, your items become more than just clothes—they become symbols of warmth, hope, and a fresh start for families in need.
Milwaukee’s cold winters can be especially tough for families without access to warm clothing. By donating gently used coats, sweaters, and sweatshirts, you can help provide not only physical warmth but also the emotional comfort of knowing someone cares.
Here’s how a simple sweater can make a difference, one step at a time, and how you can be part of that journey.
Where It Begins—Dropping Off Your Clothing Donation in Milwaukee
Your sweater’s journey starts at Port of Missions, located at 3975 N 78th St, Milwaukee, WI 53222, Suite 1 (Lower Level). Our donation hours are Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
We currently accept: New or Very Gently Used
Men’s, women’s, and children’s coats
Sweaters, sweatshirts, and other winter clothing
Each item is carefully received and sorted by our volunteers to ensure it’s ready for its next home. We take extra care to inspect each piece, making sure it’s clean, gently used, and suitable for distribution.
Why winter clothing? Coats and warm layers are always in high demand, especially during the colder months. Your donation could be the very thing a family needs to get through the harsh winter weather.
The Sorting Process—Preparing Your Donation for a New Home
After your donation is dropped off, our dedicated volunteers get to work. Sorting each item with care, they check for quality, organize it by size and type, and prepare it for families in need.
Our volunteers are key to this process. They help with:
Clothing sorting and preparation
Community outreach and distribution
Event planning and volunteer coordination
Want to get involved? Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a direct impact on your community. Whether you can commit to a few hours a month or help at larger events, there’s always a role for you.
How Your Donation Makes an Impact on Local Families
Once sorted, your donated sweater is matched with someone in need. Recently, we helped families referred by the Red Cross who were displaced due to house fires. For these families, receiving warm clothing isn’t just about staying comfortable—it’s about restoring a sense of normalcy and dignity.
One mother shared how relieved she felt when she received coats for her children after losing everything in a fire. Knowing her kids would be warm while they rebuilt their lives brought her peace of mind.
Your donation can be part of that kind of transformation. It’s a simple act that carries a powerful message: You are not forgotten.
Volunteer Opportunities and Ways to Get Involved
There are so many ways to help beyond donating clothing. Consider volunteering your time to assist with events or community outreach.
Here’s how you can help:
Organize a clothing drive at your church, school, or workplace.
Volunteer at our center to help sort clothes or distribute items.
Help with event planning and outreach efforts.
Spread the word by sharing this blog with friends and family.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, give back to your community, and be part of something meaningful. Every little bit helps, and your time is just as valuable as the items you donate.
Keep an Eye on Your Inbox
If you’re already part of our community, keep an eye on your email for updates on upcoming events and ways you can serve. From donation drives to volunteer opportunities, there’s always something happening at Port of Missions, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Together, we can continue bringing warmth, hope, and love to families in Milwaukee.