As families struggle with rising costs from tariffs and Republican-backed cuts to energy assistance, healthcare and SNAP, organizers are collecting coats at three locations across the state, press events planned Friday
Tomorrow, Opportunity Wisconsin, Family Friendly Wisconsin, Climate Power Wisconsin, and local businesses across the state are launching the “Don’t Leave Wisconsinites Out In the Cold Coat Drive” to support families struggling to afford necessities as costly tariffs and steep Republican-backed cuts to critical programs including energy assistance, healthcare and SNAP force costs higher.
From Friday through Christmas, anyone who brings in a gently used coat to participating locations will also receive a voucher that may be redeemed at the participating business. Drop-off locations are Eau Claire Outdoors in Eau Claire (225 N Barstow St.), Public Brewing Company in Kenosha (628 58th St.), and La Taquiza restaurant in Mount Pleasant (2343 Mead St.).
The coat drive comes as Wisconsin families are being squeezed from all sides. Republicans in Congress, including Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, have slashed funding for healthcare, heating assistance, and SNAP benefits, while tariffs have driven up the cost of everyday goods—including winter clothing. With temperatures dropping, many families are forced to make tough budget decisions, including how to pay for necessities like winter clothing.
“No family should have to decide between a winter coat and putting food on the table, yet that’s exactly what’s happening across Wisconsin,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “We’re proud to partner with local businesses to help families stay warm this winter while supporting our communities.”
Collected coats will be distributed to families in need through local organizations. Participants who donate will receive vouchers redeemable at the drop-off locations, supporting both families in need and Wisconsin small businesses.
To kick off the coat drive, Opportunity Wisconsin, local leaders, and business leaders will host press conferences at participating drop off locations Friday. More information for media interested in covering these events is below.
MOUNT PLEASANT
WHAT
Coat Drive Kickoff Press Conference
WHO
Opportunity Wisconsin
Local Leaders
WHEN
Friday, October 24, 2025
1:00 PM
WHERE
Mount Pleasant, WI, location details provided upon RSVP
RSVP
Media planning to cover the event should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org
EAU CLAIRE
WHAT
Coat Drive Kickoff Press Conference
WHO
Opportunity Wisconsin
Local Leaders
WHEN
Friday, October 24, 2025
2:00 PM
WHERE
Eau Claire, WI, location details provided upon RSVP
RSVP
Media planning to cover the event should RSVP to press@opportunitywisconsin.org
