Homeless Winter Donations: Sharing Warmth When It’s Needed Most

As winter settles in and temperatures begin to fall, the men and women living in camps and on the streets face dangers that most of us will never experience. What feels like a chilly inconvenience to us—a cold car ride, a gust of wind while walking inside—can be life-threatening for someone without shelter. For our neighbors experiencing homelessness, every layer of clothing matters. Every blanket matters. Every act of compassion matters.

Those our Feed the Hunger Outreach team serves in Indianapolis often have little more than the clothes on their backs. Many are underweight, making warmth even more difficult to hold onto. Pants above size 34 frequently slip off. Sweatpants—worn over existing clothing—become a vital buffer against the cold. And simple items like gloves, flashlights, or a small tent can mean the difference between a brutal night and one that is at least bearable.

Items Needed

To help our homeless neighbors endure the harsh winter months, we are seeking donations of:

  • Hoodie sweatshirts: Large–XXL
  • Sweatpants: Medium–XL
  • Blankets
  • Stocking hats
  • Men’s jeans: Size 34 or smaller
  • Women’s jeans: Size 6 or smaller
  • Belts
  • Gloves
  • Flashlights
  • Lighters
  • Small tents

These items are not simply clothing—they are warmth, safety, dignity, and hope.

Your Compassion Can Change Someone’s Winter

If you’ve ever shivered on a cold morning, imagine facing that cold all day—and all night—with nowhere warm to go. Imagine bundling a thin sweatshirt tighter because it’s all you have. Imagine trying to sleep through freezing temperatures with nothing but a blanket that barely covers you.

For the people we serve, these donations are lifelines.

This winter, we ask you to give generously. Look through your closets. Pick up an extra item or two on your next shopping trip. Share this need with someone who might help. Each donation goes directly into the hands of someone who desperately needs it.

Your support allows our outreach team to carry God’s grace from Plainfield to the “least of these” in Indianapolis, offering warmth, comfort, and the assurance that they are not forgotten.
Thank you for your continued compassion and generosity.

Thank you, and God bless.

The Cold is Coming: Help Our Homeless Outreach

As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, the PUMC Homeless Outreach is once again reaching out to the community for much-needed donations to support those in need. The cold weather can be brutal, especially for those without a safe, warm place to sleep. One of the most effective ways to help the homeless during this season is by providing warm clothing and blankets to protect them from the harsh conditions.

We are currently requesting donations of blankets, hoodies, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and gently used winter coats. Because the homeless often rely on layering to stay warm, we especially need larger sizes, such as XL and XXL for sweatshirts and coats. However, for sweatpants and other bottom layers, waist sizes ranging from medium to large are the most useful.

Your ongoing support has made a real difference, and we’re grateful for the generosity of our community. In addition to donations, we are also looking for volunteers. If you’re interested in getting involved, we could use a helping hand in the kitchen or on the van as we deliver food and supplies to those in need.

If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering, please contact Sandy Galyan or Rick Jones. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of those who are struggling this winter. Thank you for your continued support of this important ministry!