Helping Others Since 2005

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and it’s partnership with the WCSD, the Big Reno Coat Drive will ONLY accept brand new (with tags attached) winter coat donations.

Over the last 16 years, with the help of local businesses and residents, we have collected over 36,000 coats for our students at Title 1 schools and for the less fortunate. 

Find Drop-Off Locations

The 17th Annual Big Reno Coat Drive is October 15-November 20, 2021.

Founded in 2005, the Big Reno Coat Drive is a non-profit charity organization supported by many businesses and volunteers within our community.  The mission of the Big Reno Coat Drive is simple: “People helping People.” Over the last 16 years, with the help of local businesses and residents, we have collected over 36,000 coats.

The coats we collect go directly back to our community. They are donated to various agencies and Title 1 schools, including: the Reno Sparks Gospel Mission, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Life Change Center, Casa De Vida, Northern Nevada HOPES, Step 1 Recovery, Step2Reno, Children’s Cabinet, Safe Embrace, Head Start, and many other agencies.

If you have a local group, family, school, or organization in need of coats, please contact us.

Print and post Big Reno Coat Drive flyers to show your support!

Download Flyer

Thank you to our supporters

Hear From Our Community

"The Big Reno Coat Drive has donated over 200 coats to Rita Cannan Elementary students within the last couple of years. Without these donations from our community, those students might have had to endure the entire winter without a warm coat to wear. We are so thankful to partner with the Big Reno Coat Drive to keep our students warm and healthy throughout the coldest months of the year!"
Chase Tatro

School Social Worker, LSW, Rita Cannan Elementary School

“The Big Reno Coat Drive was an enormous help in getting Sparks Middle School students outfitted for their cold walk to school. Our students felt confident in wearing their new coats, and I, as a counselor, could see a positive change in their demeanor. I believe it helped improve our attendance during the colder months as well.”
Casey Ritenour M.Ed., NCC

School Counselor, Natchez Elementary School

"I received a few winter coats for myself and for my adult children who will visit my youngest son and I next week in Reno. I wanted to say thank you.... they would not have had the warm coats needed to fit the trip if you had not welcomed us over.. you need to hear how far your unconditional care runs. You're freaking amazing and I am shocked you're so young!"
Tracy Ann Gallegos,

Tracy Ann Gallegos, BRCD 2017 participant

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~ William James