About Centre Warm Kids

We help children start the school year with the cold-weather clothing they need — because no child should have to learn, wait for the bus, or play outside in the cold without a warm coat and proper winter gear.

Our Story

Centre Warm Kids began as a practical, community-based winter clothing effort we led in Cornelius, Oregon—collecting coats and cold-weather essentials and getting them into the hands of families who needed them. After relocating to Centre County, Pennsylvania, we saw the same need here and knew we wanted to continue the mission locally with community partners, donors, and volunteers.

We’re especially focused on helping children ages 0–18 have what they need before school begins, so families aren’t scrambling when temperatures drop.

What We Do

  • Collect gently used winter clothing in the spring (when kids have outgrown last season’s items).
  • Sort & prepare donations over the summer (sizing, pairing sets, and checking condition).
  • Distribute to children ahead of the next school year (late summer / early fall).

What We Collect

  • Winter coats (infant through teen)
  • Boots and sturdy shoes
  • Hats, gloves, and mittens
  • Scarves and cold-weather accessories

What We Need Right Now

  • Nonprofit formation: We’re working toward nonprofit status and building a strong local foundation.
  • Storage space: We’re seeking donated or low-cost storage in Centre County for summer sorting and holding donations.
  • Volunteers: Help sorting, organizing, cleaning items, pairing sets (hat + gloves), and distribution days.
  • Community partners: Schools, churches, businesses, and civic groups that can help us reach families and host collection points.

These forms submit directly on the site and email admin@centrewarmkids.org.

Where We Serve

Our primary service area is Centre County. As we build partnerships and capacity, we hope to serve as many families as possible through coordinated collection points and distribution events.

Centre County Map (optional)
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Local Schools & Partners (optional)
It’s best to list confirmed partners rather than guessing. Once you’ve partnered with schools/districts, we can add them here.

Our Commitment

  • Dignity-first: clean, organized items that kids feel good wearing.
  • Safety & quality: we distribute items in good condition and appropriate for weather.
  • Community-led: we collaborate with local partners to reach families who need support.
Support Centre Warm Kids

All donations are used directly to support Centre Warm Kids operations, including collection, storage, preparation, and distribution of winter clothing.