Share the warmth

Tapper’s 34th Annual Coat Drive

For more than three decades, Tapper’s has partnered with the metro Detroit community to bring warmth, comfort, and dignity to those in need. What began as a small local project has grown into one of our most impactful traditions—the Share the Warmth Coat Drive.
Last year, during the 33rd annual drive, we sat down with our founder, Howard Tapper, to talk about how it all began. He shared how, after seeing a story about a coat drive in another state, he felt compelled to start one in our own community. “From the very first year, we had success,” Howard said. “We’ve tried to increase the number of coats every year because the need does not go down. It’s constantly going up.”
Howard also reminded us that this mission is about more than just coats—it’s about dignity and care. “Some children have never had a brand-new winter jacket,” he reflected. “When they receive one, their gratitude is overwhelming. Unless you’ve been there, you cannot imagine what some people go through.”
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Building on 33 Years of Impact

Last year’s coat drive helped us distribute over 5,000 coats and cold-weather items to children, families, and individuals through nearly 30 organizations across metro Detroit. Letters of thanks from children and calls from community leaders reinforced what we already know: one coat can make a life-changing difference.
In Howard’s words, “One of the most important core values of our business is giving back to the community because supporting those people and our total community who have supported us is so important.” That value continues to drive us as we step into our 34th year of this initiative.
How You Can Help in 2025
How You Can Help in 2025

The 34th Annual Share the Warmth Coat Drive is officially underway! From October 1 through the end of November, Tapper’s will be collecting:

+ Gently worn winter coats, jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, and boots

+ Cash donations (100% of which go toward purchasing new coats)

Donations can be dropped off at any Tapper’s location, or made online through the "Donate Now" link below. Every $25 gift provides a brand-new winter jacket to someone in need.

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Our 2025 Goal

As Howard reminded us last year, even a single contribution makes a difference: “Even if you have one good jacket, one good jacket will help someone.”

This year, our goal is to make the 34th Annual Coat Drive our biggest yet with a goal of 10,000 winter coats, surpassing last year’s record and reaching even more families and schools in need across metro Detroit. Together with the generosity of our community--each of us contributing even one jacket--we can keep thousands of children warm, safe, and cared for this winter.

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Our 2025 Goal

Together, We Can Share the Warmth

What started as one man’s desire to give back has grown into a citywide effort of compassion and generosity. As we celebrate the 34th year of this tradition, we invite you to join us—whether by donating a gently worn coat, contributing financially, or spreading the word.
Together, we can share the warmth, spread kindness, and bring hope to those who need it most. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community tradition.
2025 Annual Coat Drive