Malik’s Blankets for the Homeless – Winter Clothing & Blanket Drive
We bring warmth, dignity, and hope to our unhoused neighbors in Indianapolis.
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The Need
Every year in Indianapolis, hundreds of men and women sleep on sidewalks, under bridges, in alleyways, and in tent communities—exposed to dangerous cold, wind, and snow. Without access to shelter or warm clothing, winter can be life-threatening for those living on the streets. Many suffer from frostbite, hypothermia, or long-term health complications simply because they lack the most basic essentials: a warm coat, a dry blanket, socks, or gloves.
At Malik’s Blankets for the Homeless, we recognize that no one chooses to be cold, hungry, or forgotten. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to bring relief, compassion, and practical support directly to those in need.
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What We Do
Founded by David Chaney and his young son Malik Ford, our grassroots organization was born out of a simple yet powerful desire: to help people feel seen and cared for. Since our first outreach, we've handed out thousands of critical items directly to individuals facing homelessness—no red tape, no judgment, just love in action.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we have distributed:
Hundreds of blankets
Hundreds of sleeping bags each year
Hundreds of hot meals and emergency food bags
Winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and socks
Hygiene kits, toiletries, and Bibles
Direct care and referrals to local shelters and re-entry programs
We operate regularly throughout the year, but as the cold months arrive, our outreach becomes more urgent and expansive.
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Winter Drive & Outreach Events
Our Winter Clothing & Blanket Drive supports two major outreach events:
October Outreach Event (First weekend of October – in front of Central Library on St. Clair Street):
This event marks the beginning of our winter season preparation. We hand out cold-weather clothing, blankets, hygiene items, and food to over 150 individuals experiencing homelessness in the downtown area.
December Christmas Outreach (Mid-to-late December – exact date TBD):
This is our most heartfelt event of the year. We serve a hot holiday meal, distribute sleeping bags, coats, and winter wear, offer live Christmas music from the Brookside Praise Team, and hand out Bibles and personal care items. This event is deeply meaningful, especially for those who feel forgotten during the holiday season.
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How You Can Help
We are actively collecting new and gently used:
Winter coats (all sizes)
Sleeping bags
Blankets
Hats, gloves, scarves
Warm socks and boots
Travel-size toiletries and hygiene kits
Non-perishable snacks (soft foods preferred)
Tents and tarps
Hand warmers
Flashlights with batteries
Reusable shopping bags or backpacks
Financial donations help us purchase new sleeping bags, food, and special items we can't always source through community drives. Every dollar donated goes directly to serving the homeless—no overhead, no waste.
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Why It Matters
Homelessness is not just a housing issue—it’s a human one. When you support Malik’s Blankets for the Homeless, you're not just giving someone a blanket or a coat. You're giving comfort, dignity, and the reassurance that someone cares. You're telling a fellow human being, “You matter.”
Many of the people we serve share heartbreaking stories of isolation, lost jobs, untreated mental illness, or escaping abuse. Some are veterans. Some are elderly. Many are simply forgotten. But when we show up with a hot meal, a warm coat, or even a kind word, lives are touched—and often transformed.
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Get Involved
You can support our Winter Drive by:
Donating funds through our website
Dropping off items at Brookside Community Church (Indianapolis)
Hosting a mini-drive at your school, workplace, or church
Volunteering for our outreach events
Sharing our mission on social media to raise awareness
To coordinate drop-offs, schedule pickups, or volunteer, contact:
dchaney35@maliksblanketsforthehomeless.com
Text or Call: 317-289-9657
maliksblanketsforthehomeless.com
A Community of Compassion
What began with a father and son handing out a few blankets has grown into a movement of neighbors helping neighbors. With your help, we can continue to meet people where they are and bring hope to those who need it most.
Thank you for being a part of our mission. Together, we can wrap Indianapolis in warmth and kindness this winter—and beyond.
