10 Essential Items You Can Donate to Homeless Shelters This Winter

As temperatures drop, homeless shelters and outreach organizations face an urgent need: keeping individuals and families warm, safe, and healthy through the coldest months of the year. Winter is especially difficult for those without permanent housing, and donations play a vital role in meeting basic needs. From warm clothing to hygiene kits, certain items can make an immediate difference in someone’s life.

Donation-friendly winter apparel and accessories

Here at Bags in Bulk, we stock a huge variety of bulk winter accessories, bulk blankets, camping equipment wholesale, and bulk hygiene kits for donating, all at affordable wholesale prices so your generosity goes even further. Our bulk items for donating are perfect for nonprofits, charity, church groups, and direct donation to shelters and individuals. If you’re looking for the most impactful ways to help, here are the top 10 essential items to donate to homeless shelters this winter—all available in affordable bulk packs from Bags in Bulk.

1. Clean Socks

One of the most requested items at shelters, clean socks help protect against frostbite, infection, and discomfort during cold months. Many people experiencing homelessness walk long distances daily, often in worn-out shoes. Providing thermal winter socks, bulk tube socks or bulk crew socks ensures shelters can distribute fresh, warm socks to those who need them most.

2. Men’s & Women’s Underwear

Like socks, underwear is an essential item that shelters rarely receive enough of in donations. Donating underwear in bulk supports both hygiene and dignity, and it’s something every individual needs regularly. Donating men’s boxer briefs and women’s panties in bulk ensures shelters can provide this everyday necessity to more people.

3. Warm Winter Hats

When the temperatures fall, a warm knit hat can make all the difference. Heat escapes quickly from the head, making hats an essential donation for the winter months. Our bulk knit beanies come in assorted colors and are designed for warmth, comfort, and easy distribution.

4. Knit Gloves

Cold hands can make daily tasks painful and even dangerous in freezing weather. Shelters often request gloves to keep clients warm and safe. Donating bulk knit gloves helps ensure that everyone has protection against winter’s chill.

5. Winter Coats for Men and Women

A heavy-duty coat can be the difference between comfort and danger in freezing conditions. Shelters always need durable outerwear, especially during the coldest months. Our bulk winter coats for men and bulk winter coats for women are built for warmth and available in bulk, making them a powerful donation option for organizations and individuals.

6. Blankets

Nothing feels more comforting than a warm blanket on a cold night. Shelters distribute hundreds of blankets throughout the winter, and bulk donations allow them to keep up with demand. Our solid fleece blankets and waffle fleece throws are soft, lightweight, and perfect for both shelters and outreach efforts.

7. Sleeping Bags

For those who may not have access to shelter beds, a sleeping bag provides lifesaving warmth. Our cold-weather sleeping bags are designed to withstand freezing temperatures and are water-resistant, making them an essential item for outdoor survival.

8. Hygiene Kits

Hygiene items are just as important as clothing and bedding. They promote health, confidence, and dignity. Our Warm Essential 20-Piece Homeless Care Kits include everything from soap and toothbrushes to thermal socks and gloves, providing comprehensive support in one easy-to-donate package.

9. Tents

While not every organization can distribute tents, they can be critical for outreach groups supporting unsheltered individuals. A tent offers privacy, protection, and safety for those living outdoors. Our two-person sleeping tents are compact, durable, and easy to set up, making them a high-impact donation option when appropriate.

10. Sweaters, T-shirts, and Layering Essentials

In addition to coats, hats, and gloves, shelters often request layering pieces like bulk t-shirts, plus sweaters, sweatshirts, jeans, long johns and thermal wear. You can buy apparel for donating, or clean out your own closet and donate the stuff you don't wear anymore. While each shelter's exact needs will vary, focusing on versatile, warm basics ensures that people can adapt to changing conditions. Pairing these items with other essentials from Bags in Bulk maximizes the impact of your donation.

Why Donating in Bulk Matters

Donating in bulk isn’t just cost-effective—it also ensures that shelters and outreach groups can distribute supplies equitably. Instead of sorting through mismatched items, organizations receive uniform, brand-new products that can be handed out immediately. With Bags in Bulk, your donation dollars go further, allowing you to provide warmth, dignity, and comfort to more people during the harsh winter season.

Your Donations Could Save Lives this Winter

Winter is one of the hardest times of year for people experiencing homelessness, but your donations can make a real difference. From warm coats and blankets to hygiene kits and tents, every item helps provide comfort, safety, and hope. Whether you’re an individual donor, part of a church or nonprofit, or organizing a community drive, Bags in Bulk makes it easy to source the essentials shelters need most.