Coats get most of the attention in winter clothing drives, but hats, mittens and gloves are just as important, and they go missing constantly. Kids lose them on the playground, adults leave them on the bus, and a single pair rarely lasts a whole New England winter. For families stretching every dollar, replacing them again and again adds up.
A mitten tree is a simple, visible way to collect these small but essential items. People hang new or gently used hats, mittens, gloves and scarves on a tree, a coat rack or a decorated board in a public space. The display fills up over a few weeks and then the items are delivered to a partner organization. Starting in October means items are ready before the first truly cold mornings.
What Makes a Mitten Tree Work
- It is visible. A colorful display in a lobby or library reminds people to give every time they walk by.
- It is easy to give. A pair of mittens is an affordable, simple contribution.
- It is fun for kids. Children love adding items to the tree and watching it fill up.
- It fills a specific gap. Small accessories are often in short supply when coat drives focus on outerwear.
Step One: Choose a Partner
Decide who will receive the items before you start. Good partners include:
- A school nurse or family resource coordinator
- Shelters and family housing programs
- Food pantries that distribute winter items
- After-school and youth programs
- Senior centers
Ask what sizes are most needed, whether they accept gently used items, and when and how they would like delivery. Many programs especially need adult sizes, teen sizes and waterproof gloves.
Step Two: Find a Host Location
Choose a place with steady foot traffic and staff who can keep an eye on the display.
- School lobbies or main offices
- Library entrances or children’s rooms
- Community center lobbies
- Places of worship
- Apartment building lobbies
- Local businesses, with the owner’s permission
Ask the host about space, rules for displays and how long the tree can stay up.
Step Three: Build the Tree
The “tree” can be as simple or creative as you like:
- An artificial holiday tree
- A sturdy coat rack
- A large bare branch secured in a heavy pot
- A bulletin board with clothespins or hooks
- A cardboard or painted wooden tree cutout on a wall
Add a sign with simple instructions, such as: “Help keep our neighbors warm! Hang new or gently used hats, mittens, gloves and scarves here. All sizes welcome. Items will go to [partner organization] on 2026.” Translate the sign into the main languages spoken in your community. Keep a large bin nearby for overflow.
Step Four: Spread the Word
- Share the drive in school newsletters and neighborhood email lists.
- Post flyers on community bulletin boards.
- Ask local knitting or crochet groups to contribute handmade items.
- Invite classrooms or scout troops to set a goal and see if they can reach it.
- Post photos as the tree fills up to keep momentum going.
What to Collect
Be clear about what you are looking for:
- Hats: Knit hats in all sizes, from babies to adults
- Mittens: Especially for young children, who find them easier than gloves
- Gloves: Including waterproof styles for teens and adults
- Scarves and neck warmers
- Warm socks, if your partner accepts them
Ask that used items be clean and in good condition, with no holes or missing mates. Many partners prefer new socks and underwear for hygiene reasons.
Keep the Display Tidy
A tree that is overflowing or messy can discourage giving. Assign a volunteer to check the display a couple of times a week.
- Move items from the tree to sorted bins as it fills.
- Pair up mittens and gloves using clothespins or rubber bands.
- Sort by size: baby and toddler, kids, teens and adults.
- Set aside anything damaged or unusable.
- Keep a running count of items collected.
Deliver With Care
When the drive ends, bag items by size and label each bag clearly. Deliver on the agreed date, and ask the partner if they would like a second delivery later in the winter, when needs often increase.
Share the total with everyone who gave, along with a thank-you from the partner organization if they provide one. Seeing the impact encourages people to give again next year.
Teaching Moments for Kids
Mitten trees are wonderful for helping children understand community needs. Talk about why warm accessories matter, how some families have trouble affording them, and how small acts can make a big difference. Kids can help sort, count and decorate the tree, and older students can track totals and make graphs.
Mitten Tree Checklist
- Partner organization chosen and needs confirmed
- Host location and display rules agreed
- Tree or rack set up with clear signage
- Drive promoted through schools and neighborhood lists
- Volunteer assigned to tidy and sort
- Items paired, sorted by size and counted
- Delivery scheduled and thank-yous shared
Adding Handmade Items
Local knitting and crochet groups often love having a place to send their work. Invite them to contribute, and share any color or material guidelines from your partner organization. Handmade items add warmth and personality to the tree, and they remind recipients that neighbors made something just for them.
Quick check: Why are mittens often recommended over gloves for young children?
- They are always cheaper
- They are easier for small children to put on and keep their fingers warmer together
- Gloves are not allowed at school
Show answer
B. Mittens are easier for little hands to put on, and keeping fingers together helps them stay warm.
