Warm The Children

Mission: To provide new winter clothing to children in need throughout Washtenaw County, helping ensure every child stays warm, safe, and cared for during Michigan’s harsh winter months.

Founded in 1995, Warm the Children (WTC) is a community-based initiative committed to providing new warm clothing—coats, boots, hats, mittens, and more—to local children referred by school counselors and social workers. Since its founding, the program has served thousands of Washtenaw County children, ensuring they are prepared for winter with dignity and comfort.

Warm the Children is led through a partnership between the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation, Inc. and Old National Bank, supported by a dedicated network of donors and volunteers. What began as a grassroots effort by Mack Stewart has grown into a vital program embraced by the community—with 100% of donations going directly toward clothing purchases for children.

Each year, Warm the Children raises funds to provide qualifying children with $90 worth of new winter clothing. Families shop at a local store alongside a trained volunteer, ensuring children can select items that fit their needs and preferences.

We operate through the following:

• Referrals from school social workers and counselors identifying children in need.

• Volunteer Shoppers who accompany families on clothing trips.

• Donor Support through online, in-person, and mail-in contributions.

• Community Partnerships that coordinate logistics and provide program oversight.

With an annual goal of $250,000, the program continues to grow—driven by the generosity of donors and the compassion of volunteers who help make winter a little warmer for Washtenaw County’s children.