Big Joe & Laura’s Warm Hearts Coat Drive: How West Michigan Helped Raise Over 500 Coats To Help The Homeless

Big Joe and Laura here- We’re still buzzing with excitement (and gratitude) after wrapping up this year’s Warm Hearts Coat Drive, benefitting Neighbors For Neighbors and their mission to help the homeless in Grand Rapids. What an incredible journey it’s been, and we couldn’t have done it without YOU.

On Sunday afternoon during halftime at the Grand Rapids Gold game, we revealed our grand total—553 coats!

After a month of work, we are so excited about what we were able to accomplish. Our coat drive was made possible thanks to over 20 drop-off locations: Planet Fitness, Gerrit's Appliance, Uptown Cheapskate, Allendale True Value, Bob’s Bar, Fowling Warehouse, Sky Zone, Eastern Floral, Two Men and A Truck, Archival Brewing, Serra Honda, Rebounderz, Mayweather Boxing and Fitness, Grandville Fit Body Bootcamp, and Johnson Carpet 1.

Behind the scenes, our team worked tirelessly to make sure every detail was perfect. And we can’t forget the incredible support from our friends at GRPD, Representative Hillary Scholten, Fox 17 Morning Mix, and the West Michigan Whitecaps—you all helped spread the word far and wide.

The impact of the coats you donated was immediate. Just this past Saturday, we gathered with Neighbors for Neighbors at Bethlehem Lutheran Church to hand out nearly 100 coats to people in need.

Seeing the gratitude on their faces reminded us why this effort is so important. If you missed the action, don’t worry—we’ve posted highlights on Instagram and TikTok. Follow along and celebrate this amazing community accomplishment with us.

Grand Rapids, you showed up, and together, we made a difference. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! ❤️