Bracing for Winter School Expenses

Last winter tore into my finances so drastically that I'm still trying to recover. Bursted pipes, lost food, lost clothing and a reimbursement from the insurance that was not fair. My girls are heading back to school now and I am pretty close to getting all they need for this beginning season. But winter is coming and at that time I'll need coats, scarves, boots probably more socks and the other school related items. I don't want to be caught off guard again and am trying to get a good footing for the winter months ahead. The two I'm prepping for are my two youngest 11 and 9. The oldest can still wear the same stuff from last year; and the mom...well I never buy anything unless something falls apart on me. While my initial goal is to help keep my family in order, and save my sanity near the end of this year I also am fully aware that others need help also. I have two children in my neighborhood whose mothers could certainly use assitance.  We're in the same boat...single parent, working full time and barely able to keep it together. Any assistance will lighten the load and lessen the stress. With sincere gratitude, Thank you.