Sitting down with Howard for an in-depth interview

33 Years of Warmth: Tapper’s Annual Coat Drive, A Heartfelt Tradition

As the chill of winter approaches, we reflect on one of our most cherished traditions at Tapper’s: the annual coat drive. For over three decades, we’ve been collecting coats and cold-weather essentials for those in need. This year, 2024, marks the 33rd year of this heartfelt initiative. We had the pleasure of sitting down with our founder, Howard Tapper, to learn more about the origins and impact of this remarkable effort.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Howard began the coat drive out of a deep desire to support the community that had supported him for so many years. “People really gave us a break by coming in and exploring our store,” he shared. “Many of them became wonderful clients for many years. I wanted to give back.” The idea for the coat drive came after reading about a similar initiative in another state. Howard thought, “Let me try that.” From the first year, the response was overwhelmingly positive, and the drive has only grown since.
Each year, the drive evolves, not just in size but in the quality of coats collected. Howard explained, “We’ve improved the quality of the coats. We’ve improved even where we’re getting the coats from. Even the coats that don’t meet our standard, we have a source that could use them.” For Tapper’s, it’s not just about donating—it’s about providing dignity through warmth.
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How the Drive Works

The coat drive is a community-wide effort that taps into schools, organizations, and everyday people. Howard described the process: “We advertise to different organizations, customers, and people we know, asking for monetary donations. 100% of the money we collect is spent on buying new coats or additional items.” But it’s not just about buying coats—there’s also a huge effort in gathering gently used coats. Collection boxes are placed across Tapper’s stores and various community locations.

What makes this drive special is the thoughtfulness behind it. Howard explained how they cater to specific needs: “Sometimes people need extra-large coats, and those are hard to find even new. We buy those brand new, and people are very appreciative.”

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Touching Lives, One Coat at a Time

Over the years, Tapper’s has distributed coats to countless people through dozens of organizations. “This year, we’re trying to work with 30 different organizations,” Howard said. Each coat makes a difference, especially to the children who often receive their first-ever winter jacket. “You cannot believe how thankful these children are, especially the ones who’ve never had a brand-new jacket,” Howard shared, reflecting on the many heartfelt letters he receives.
One of the most touching aspects of the drive is hearing the stories from people like Debbie, a woman who volunteers her time to distribute coats on the streets and in shelters. Howard beamed as he shared, “It’s wonderful to hear the stories she tells me about how appreciative people are.”
How You Can Help

Tapper's coat drive is going on now and runs through the end of November. There are several ways to get involved, from donating gently used coats, gloves, hats, and boots at one of Tapper’s stores, to making a monetary donation. “Every dollar we raise is spent on new coats,” Howard emphasized. “A donation of $25 will buy a brand-new jacket for someone in need.”

This year, Tapper’s is setting an ambitious goal: to double their previous record and distribute over 5,000 coats. “I’m asking each of you to help me and our company, Tapper’s, to have the most successful coat drive we’ve ever had,” Howard said with hope in his voice. “Again, every dollar we raise is spent on new coats so the more we raise the more people we can help and make our city the best place to live.”

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A Tradition of Heartfelt Generosity

For 33 years, Tapper’s coat drive has been more than just a charity—it’s been a lifeline for people in need. Howard Tapper’s commitment to giving back to the community has warmed hearts and bodies alike. “One of the most important core values of our business is giving back to the community,” Howard said, reflecting on the lasting impact of the coat drive. “I feel so blessed we’ve been able to do this.”
As the season turns colder, the warmth of generosity spreads through every coat, hat, and pair of gloves collected. To get involved, select the 2024 Annual Coat Drive button below and help us keep this tradition of kindness alive. Together we can make a difference—one coat at a time.
2024 Annual Coat Drive