The Great
Mitten Exchange
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Give Your Time

Warmth takes hands. We could use yours.

Whether you've got a free Saturday, a knack for knitting, or a workplace full of people who'd love a reason to give back — there's a role for you at The Great Mitten Exchange.

Four Ways to Help

Find your fit

Sorting Donations

Work a two-hour shift at our Saint Paul or Duluth warehouse sorting gear by size, type, and condition. No experience needed — we'll train you on arrival.

Sign up to sort

Delivering Gear

Have a car and a few hours? Run sorted gear from our warehouse out to partner schools and shelters across the metro or your home region.

Sign up to drive

Knitting & Sewing

Join a stitch circle in your community, or knit from home on your own schedule. We supply patterns and yarn to registered volunteers.

Join a stitch circle

Spreading the Word

Host a drive at your workplace, school, or congregation. We'll send a toolkit with bins, flyers, and a scheduled pickup.

Host a drive
Two volunteers deliver donated coats and boots on a cart outside a Minnesota apartment building during a snowfall.

A Typical Saturday

It's colder outside than it looks. It's warmer than it sounds inside.

Every distribution day starts the same way: volunteers loading carts with sorted coats, boots, and bags of mittens, then heading out — rain, shine, or snow — to get gear straight into the hands of the people who asked for it. Most shifts run two to three hours and always end with hot cocoa back at the warehouse.

Claim a Saturday Shift

For Groups

Bring your workplace, team, or classroom

Group volunteer shifts are one of our most requested experiences — and one of our biggest sources of sorted, ready-to-distribute gear. We'll set aside dedicated sorting stations, walk your group through the process, and send you home with impact numbers to share.

Book a Group Shift

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming volunteer events

14Nov 2026
Como Park Pavilion, Saint Paul

Community Mitten Sort-a-thon

25 volunteer spots open. Bring a friend and help sort this season's donations.

Details & sign-up
21Nov 2026
Lake Superior Church, Duluth

Duluth Drop-In Drive

15 volunteer spots open. Help greet donors and load the delivery van.

Details & sign-up
5Dec 2026
Rochester Public Library

Knit Night for Warmth

All skill levels welcome. Yarn and patterns supplied.

Details & sign-up

Ready to Start?

Tell us how you'd like to help

We'll follow up within two business days with next steps and open shifts near you.

Prefer to Give Instead?

Money and gear help just as much as time does.

Donate Now Give Winter Gear