DETROIT — For 19 years, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and his wife, Holly, have focused some of their philanthropic efforts to helping those in need in the Detroit area around the holidays.
What was once a “Secret Santa” gift-giving partnership has now evolved into a massive giveback event with Toys for Tots and this year the Gores family is providing over 10,000 toys, games, bicycles, scooters and more to Michigan families for the holiday season.
The first of two special gift events was held on Wednesday at Detroit’s Eastern Market, where more than 8,600 toys were distributed to families by Marines and volunteers of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
“This is one of my favorite times of the year as we’re able to provide so much joy and holiday cheer to hundreds of children and families,” Gores said in a statement. “Every child deserves to smile and feel the excitement that comes with opening a gift during the holidays. We’re grateful for the support of Toys for Tots and all our amazing partners who have continued to step up for our community for nearly two decades.”
The second event will be held in Gores’ hometown of Flint on Dec. 17, coordinated by Voices for Children. Gores is also donating an additional $25,000 to The Salvation Army Downriver Corps.
This holiday tradition has been going since 2006, but the partnership with Toys for Tots began in 2009, totaling 175,000 gifts to families in the area.
In 2013, Gores agreed to be identified for his donations in hopes of encouraging others to join in giving, as well.
The Pistons organization also held an [annual give back event last month](https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2025/11/pistons-provide-holiday-essentials-to-detroit-families-at-annual-give-back-event.html) ahead of Thanksgiving to provide holiday essentials to Detroit families.
Since purchasing the Pistons in 2011, Gores vowed to make an impact on the Detroit community and those inside the organization are also taking on that message.
“Whether we’re rebuilding or fighting for a championship, Tom and Holly have always, it’s been in the back of their mind and as part of their DNA to give back to the Detroit community, the Flint community and the Downriver community where they come from,” ex-Pistons coach and senior advisor to basketball operations Dwane Casey told MLive.com.
“He hasn’t forgotten where he’s come from and this is part of it. Whether it’s basketball courts in the community, basketballs at the Pistons academy or at Christmas time here, it’s about Tom and Holly and our organization giving back and having an impact on young people.”