5 Detroit Nonprofits to Donate to This Winter

Here’s how to help right now
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Detroit nonprofits
Photograph courtesy of Mittens for Detroit

Whether it’s accepting mitten donations or taking financial contributions to fund housing programs, a number of Detroit nonprofits are seeking support now. As the snow and cold weather continues to settle in, here are five local nonprofits to consider donating to this winter.

Mittens for Detroit

This nonprofit collects, purchases, and distributes new mittens and gloves to people of all ages in Detroit. This year, Mittens for Detroit, which has distributed nearly a quarter-million pairs of new gloves since it started, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Volunteers are needed to count, sort, and package the donations. And while the collection season ran from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31 annually, monthly donors will become a Handwarming Hero and will receive perks such as advance notice of events, discounted tickets, and surprise goodies. For more information, visit mittensfordetroit.org.

The Heat and Warmth Fund

Since 1985, this nonprofit’s mission has been stabilizing and empowering Michigan families, keeping them healthy, safe, and warm. THAW assists residents through its nearly 40 agency partners and events. Since it started, the nonprofit has given a total of $190 million in utility assistance to 256,000 homes — last year, it donated $15 million to around 18,000 homes. The nonprofit assists the elderly, people who are unemployed or underemployed, and individuals who have a disability that may make them susceptible to cold temperatures. Donations are accepted directly on THAW’s website, over the phone, through the mail, and also through programs such as Kroger Community Rewards or Amazon Smile. For more information, visit thawfund.org.

Heart to Hart Detroit

This charitable organization goes into metro Detroit communities every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to hand out food, clothing, toiletries, and useful information to people experiencing homelessness locally. In 2019, this company distributed 14,200 lunches, 140 winter coats, 5,500 pairs of new socks, and 2,400 shirts, sweaters, or hoodies. Those who are interested in helping can give individual donations online or donate items they have listed on the Heart to Hart website such as bottled water, fiber bars, and snacks. For more information, visit h2hd.org.

Cass Community Social Services

This Detroit-based agency has been helping people since 2002. The group serves 700,000 meals annually, and provides housing to 300 people and two weekly free medical clinics to 125 adults, and currently employs 80 adults. CCSS works with 5,000 volunteers annually to help accomplish its mission. The nonprofit has a running calendar of events, a store where people can buy items that help support the CCSS, and donations can be made online, over the phone, or through the mail. For more information, visit casscommunity.org.  

Coalition on Temporary Shelter

COTS is one of the largest organizations that provides shelter to families experiencing homelessness in the city of Detroit. The nonprofit also supplies supportive services, mobility coaching, and childcare, and it runs a Passport to Self-Sufficiency program that coaches and mentors people who need help reaching their housing, financial, health, education, economic, and career goals. COTS hosts various events, including concerts and art shows, that benefit the organization, and is has several volunteer opportunities. Donations are accepted online. For more information visit, cotsdetroit.wixsite.com/cotsdetroit2015.