The Great14Nov 2026
Community Mitten Sort-a-thon
Bring a friend and help sort this season's donations by size and type. Coffee and cocoa provided.
Details & sign-upServing Minnesota Since 2014
Nobody should have cold hands.
Minnesota winters don't mess around. The Great Mitten Exchange collects and distributes mittens, coats, boots, and warm gear to neighbors across the state — no cost, no questions, no judgment.
A Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, powered by 96 community partners
2026 Winter Drive
128,400+
Winter items given since 2014
128,400+
Items distributed
42
Communities served
96
Community partners
18,700+
Families helped
What Can I Give?
Six ways to keep a Minnesotan warm this winter
New or gently used, clean and in good repair — every item finds its way to someone who needs exactly that.
Mittens & Gloves
Kids' and adult sizes, all styles welcome.
Coats & Jackets
Insulated outerwear for every age.
Winter Boots
Waterproof, all sizes, kids to adult.
Hats
Knit beanies and insulated caps.
Scarves
Hand-knit and store-bought alike.
Snow Pants
For recess, sledding, and shoveling.
Active Campaign
The 2026 Winter Warmth Drive
Every October, we race to collect 50,000 items before the first hard freeze. Here's where we stand today.
Where We Work
Warming up all corners of Minnesota
From the Twin Cities to the Iron Range, we partner with schools, shelters, churches, and community centers to get gear into hands fast — usually within 48 hours of a request.
Saint Paul
Minneapolis
Duluth
Rochester
St. Cloud
Mankato
Bemidji
Moorhead
Find a location near you
Interactive coverage map
coming soon — 42 communities and counting.
Featured Story
"My daughter never had a coat that actually fit until we found The Great Mitten Exchange. Now she runs to the bus stop instead of dreading it."
Read more storiesGive Your Time
Four ways to volunteer
Sorting Donations
Help sort, size, and quality-check incoming gear at one of our warehouses.
Delivering Gear
Drive donated items from drop-off points to distribution partners.
Knitting & Sewing
Join a stitch circle and make new mittens, hats, and scarves from scratch.
Spreading the Word
Share drives at your workplace, school, or place of worship.
Trusted By Community Partners
Twin Cities Community Fridge
Saint Paul Public Schools
Duluth Family Shelter Network
Mankato Area Foundation
Bemidji Neighbors Care
Feeding Our Communities MN
A Great Mitten Exchange Original
The Mitten Wall
Every colorful mitten below represents a real donation. Click one to read who it's for.
Click any mitten above to read its story ←
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming events
21Nov 2026
Duluth Drop-In Drive
A no-appointment donation and pickup event for the Duluth and North Shore area.
Details & sign-up5Dec 2026
Knit Night for Warmth
All skill levels welcome. Yarn and patterns supplied — just bring your hands and a friend.
Details & sign-upQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What items do you accept?
New or gently used mittens, gloves, coats, boots, hats, scarves, and snow pants for all ages. Items should be clean and free of rips or broken zippers. We're unable to accept adult clothing outside of winter outerwear.
Do I need an appointment to donate or request gear?
No. Most of our 42 drop-off and distribution locations are open drop-in during posted hours. A few smaller sites request a quick call ahead — check your location's page for details.
Is there an income requirement to receive gear?
No paperwork, no proof of income, no questions asked. If you or your family need winter gear, we want to help.
Can my business, school, or congregation host a drive?
Absolutely — group drives are one of our biggest sources of donations. Reach out through our Get Involved page and we'll send a toolkit with collection bins, flyers, and a drop-off pickup date.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Great Mitten Exchange is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You'll receive a receipt by email.