Iosco Coats for Kids

04/05/2026

✨ Update on Our Zoning Variance Request ✨
Coats for Kids recently applied for a variance with the Tawas City Zoning Appeals Board. We’re asking for permission to build our much needed addition at the front of our building rather than the back. While this doesn’t align with the current setback requirements along US 23, our addition would still sit further back than the two neighboring buildings, which were constructed decades ago.
It’s a tough decision for the Appeals Board, who must balance community needs with State and City regulations.
💛 Why building at the back isn’t feasible:
1. Adds $20,000 to construction costs
2. Requires demolition and reconstruction of our accessibility ramp
3. Steep slope would increase the number of steps—difficult for our older volunteers
4. Loss of essential parking spaces
5. Reduced space for delivery trucks to safely maneuver
What truly lifted our spirits was the incredible support shown at the meeting. Representatives spoke from: • Iosco RESA • Alternative Education Academy • Tawas Whittemore Hale United Fund • Develop Iosco • Councilman Ed Nagy • Concerned community members • And our own dedicated Coats for Kids volunteers
Your voices meant the world to us.
We’ve now raised $40,000 toward our $144,000 goal—and building at the front would reduce the total cost by $20,000. The Board has not yet made a final decision, but we remain hopeful and will share the outcome as soon as the follow up meeting is scheduled.
Thank you for standing with us as we work to better serve children and families across our community.

03/26/2026

Many thanks to the Iosco News Herald and the Oscoda Press for their great article on our expansion plans. Our building is bursting at the seams and we need to add on to continue our mission to keep kids warm. See www.ioscocoatsforkids.com for more information.

01/19/2026

❄️✨ What a Season! Coats for Kids Sets New Records ✨❄️

Thanks to the dedication of our team and the incredible generosity of our community, Coats for Kids reached new milestones this winter:
• 🧥 1,260 brand-new winter coats
• 👢 360 pairs of warm boots
• 🧤 Countless hats, gloves & other essentials

This season, we hosted distribution events at five schools in Iosco County, filled orders for IRESA, baby pantries, Head Start & Early Head Start social workers, and wrapped up with the Fish and Coats for Kids Christmas Gift House in Tawas.

All of these items went directly to children and families needing help to stay warm during our harsh Michigan weather. Our racks may be close to empty now—but we’re already gearing up for next year, restocking so no child is left in the cold.

❤️ A heartfelt thank-you to our partners who make the logistics possible:
• Make Way Move All
• Murphy Home Furnishings
• St. John’s Thrift

👏 Huge thanks to the Michigan State Police! Their 2025 golf “shootout” at Huron Breeze gave Coats for Kids a powerful boost—keeping so many children warm this winter.

🙏 Finally, to the individuals, organizations, and foundations near and far—your financial support proves that when a community comes together, no child has to face winter without warmth. To our volunteers and supporters: we couldn’t do this without you. You are the heart of Coats for Kids.

12/01/2025

Perchville Hats are back…
Those ridiculous Perchville fish hats are back again! There are lots to choose from, in all colors and designs and sizes, and they are available at O’Connors and the Brew Krew on Newman Street in East Tawas for a minimum donation of twenty dollars. We brought a few of our Americana style again; they sold very well when we introduced them last year.
Thanks to your support, the project has raised over $30,000 since the first scarf was created years ago by the knitting group at Grace Lutheran Church in East Tawas. This is the thirtieth year of operation for Coats for Kids here in Iosco County and if all of the hats we have made go to new homes, we will have over $2,000 more to spend on those in need. All of the money raised has been used to buy warm winter coats and boots to give to needy families, through local schools, baby pantries, Head Start, social workers, the Fish & Coats for Kids Christmas Gift House, et cetera. So please come and look at our handiwork and hopefully help us keep the kids warm next winter.
Oh yes, once again we used the same old picture of our knitting group – Candy, Sharon, Barb, June and Nicki, with Pat in front - no wonder we stay young!

11/13/2025

We've been doing pretty well this last couple of weeks keeping up with incoming coat shipments from our November sale purchases. Until today! This is the sight that met us when we opened up this afternoon; Fedex has certainly been busy and we still have lots more to come.

11/06/2025

Coats for Kids extends a heartfelt thank you to the Michigan State Police for the largest single donation we’ve received outside of a grant for our building. Troopers Walsh and Koehler personally delivered the $9,201 raised from the 2025 MSP Golf Shootout played at Huron Breeze Golf Course earlier this year. This remarkable gift will provide coats, boots, gloves, and other warm essentials for many children in our community this winter.

11/06/2025

Just in case you missed earlier notifications .... last day of coat distributions at Clara Bolen Elementary in Tawas is today, and the first at Hale Schools. Hours are as follows:

Clara Bolen: 4 to 7 pm today (Nov 6)

Hale Schools: 4 to 7 pm today (Nov 6)
8 to 11 am tomorrow (Nov 7)

10/25/2025

Whittemore-Prescott Elementary Coat & Boot Distribution: A Joyful Success!
Our first-ever coat and boot distribution during Whittemore-Prescott Elementary’s parent-teacher conferences was a resounding success! In previous years, we’ve responded to individual requests as they came in—but this time, thanks to the incredible support from Make Way Move All, we were able to set up racks and boxes right on site. For six and a half hours, we welcomed a steady stream of families, helping parents and grandparents outfit children with warmth and care.
By the end of the evening, we had distributed 140 brand-new winter coats, 46 pairs of boots, and countless hats and gloves. It was heartwarming to see so many kids leave with smiles and bundled-up confidence.
What made this event truly special was the vibrant atmosphere. Unlike any other school distribution we’ve done, Whittemore-Prescott turned the afternoon into a full-blown celebration. Bounce houses and games filled the gym, while children delighted in petting grown chickens, rabbits, and baby chicks. Face painting stations added color to the day, and the cafeteria offered free food and refreshments for all. There were so many activities, we couldn’t even catch them all—but one thing’s for sure: there wasn’t a dull moment in sight!
Thanks to Christine for coming to help; we plan on coming back again next year!

10/09/2025

Only ONE day left for Tawas Middle/High School Coat Distribution. Don't miss out... TODAY Oct 9th 4 - 7pm.

10/09/2025

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10/09/2025

💙 Remembering John Himmelspach 💙
Over 50 years ago, I met John while working at a GM plant. Decades later, our paths crossed again—this time through a small but mighty act of kindness. At Grace Lutheran Church, I noticed a check from him made out to Coats for Kids. Then another. And another. For 20 years, John quietly sent $100 or $150 checks, helping us keep children warm each winter.
That first thank-you letter sparked a penpal friendship filled with stories of his beloved wife, his passion for golf, and the joy he found in everyday discoveries. At 98, he bought a golf cart just to keep up with neighbors in Greenbush. His handwriting was nearly impossible to read—but his heart always came through.
This spring, John passed away in his 100th year. We’ll miss his letters, his generosity, and his spirit. Rest in peace, old friend. Your warmth lives on in every coat we give. 🧥❤️

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10/03/2025

Another coat distribution to add to the list already published. Make Way Move-All is providing transportation to Whittemore, so we will be able to do a one day distribution during conferences. It will be held at the Whittemore-Prescott Elementary School on Wednesday, October 22nd and hours will be from noon until 6:30 pm. Bring your children in with you.

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