The Salvation Army of Milwaukee Citadel is dedicated to providing hope and practical support to families in need. Through a variety of community programs, we help children, individuals, and families overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

Backpacks and School Supplies

Every child deserves the chance to succeed. Our Backpacks and School Supplies Program ensures that students from select Milwaukee and Waukesha schools receive brand-new backpacks filled with the essentials they need for learning - giving them a strong start to the school year.

Partnering with WISN 12, the annual Class Act Telethon helps provide hundreds of children across both counties with fully stocked backpacks and the tools to thrive in the classroom.

Coats for Kids

No child should have to face a Wisconsin winter without warmth. Through Coats for Kids, we provide new and gently used coats, hats, and winter gear to children across Milwaukee - helping them stay safe, warm, and ready to learn. This program is made possible thanks to community donations and our partnership with FOX6 News.

Registration will open on October 1 at 9 a.m. REGISTER NOW!

A few key details for this year:

• Registration: October 1–22
• Distribution: Friday, October 24 (3 - 7 p.m.) and Saturday, October 25 (9 a.m.–12 p.m.)
• Distribution is only for children (ages 17 and under, or 18 if still in high school), and they must be present to receive a coat.
• Adult coats will be available afterward by appointment at either of the corps locations or the distribution center.

Process:

Winter coats are collected at drop-off locations throughout the city and delivered to The Salvation Army, where dedicated volunteers sort and prepare them for cleaning - generously donated by ITU.

How You Can Help:

• Donate Coats: New or gently used children’s and adult sizes can be dropped off at Steinhafels, Feldco, or Salvation Army locations.
• Donate Winter Accessories: New hats, mittens, and scarves are also needed.

Christmas Family Feast

This heartwarming event is free and open to everyone, bringing the community together to celebrate the holiday season with food, fellowship, and joy. The Christmas Family Feast is held annually at the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., on Christmas Day.

Each guest will enjoy a traditional homestyle holiday dinner, including:

• Oven-Roasted Turkey
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Tender Green Beans
• Holiday Dessert
• Refreshing Beverages

Thanks to the support of 400+ volunteers, the Christmas Family Feast provides over 4,000 meals to individuals and families each year. 

We are grateful for the generosity of our community partners:

• We Energies Foundation
• MCTS
• Cedar Crest Ice Cream
• Hunger Task Force
• Roundy’s / Pick ‘n Save
• Baird Center
• Ascension Health Care
• Advocate Aurora Health
• Sysco
• Levy

Feed the Kids

Every summer, our Feed the Kids Program provides over 40,000 free lunches to children living in underserved neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee County. This critical initiative helps ensure that kids have access to healthy, nutritious food when school is out.

Each meal includes a thoughtfully prepared combination of:

• A sandwich or yogurt
• A cheese stick
• Fresh fruit and/or vegetables
• Milk

These balanced meals are designed to fuel children’s bodies and minds, supporting their health and development throughout the summer.

Our caring staff delivers more than just food. At every stop, we offer encouragement, connection, and community support, helping children feel seen, valued, and nourished.

Meals are distributed Monday through Friday at various sites across Milwaukee County, with approximately 1,000 lunches served each weekday. Kids are encouraged to eat together, creating a shared experience that fosters friendship and community.

Toy Shop

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Toy Shop allows parents to choose new, donated toys for their children -  completely free of charge. Every toy is selected based on each child's age and gender, so families can enjoy the joy of personalized Christmas gifts and surprise their children on Christmas morning.

Toy Shop Event Dates: December 16–19, 2025 at The Salvation Army Distribution Center.

Registration Information: Registration is required to participate in the Toy Shop. You can register online or in person from November 3 – December 3, 2025.