Marysville police collect coats for local children

Marysville police officers and other volunteers helped gather coats and other clothing on Nov. 6 and 7 as part of their annual coat drive.

They will also be at the Marysville Walmart at 8713 64th St. NE, Marysville, on Nov. 13 and 14 from noon to 4 p.m.

Erik Scairpon, Marysville police chief, said it was a way to give back to the community.

“When I meet with every new police officer one of the things that attracts them to this position is service,” he said. “For us, this is a way to extend that service beyond our everyday normal jobs."

Sergeant Matthew Goolsby said local police are happy to help.

“It’s about filling a need and working with the community,” he said. “We’re trying to do what we can do to be effective."

Local police have held the coat drive annually for several years now.

“We donate here every year. We’d rather do it with the police department than anyone else,” said local Barbara Cercone, who donated to this year’s coat drive.

The 2020 coat drive was shortened because of the pandemic.

“Last year’s coat drive went great. We only did one day and so we’re really excited that this year we’ll be able to be at Kohl’s for two days and then at the Walmart next weekend for another two days,” said Scairpon.

Being out more will likely generate more clothing for local kids.

“That should really bring in more coats for this holiday season,” he said.

Coats, gloves and hats are given away as part of the Marysville Toy Store program, which provides gifts and winter clothing to families in need each holiday season.

“One of the things I’ve been impressed with as police chief of this community is just the gratitude, the giving back and the investing that people want to make in this community,” said Scairpon.

There are many children in the community who benefit from having the winter clothing available to them.

“There’s definitely a strong need out there. I can’t think of a better day than this when it is below 50 degrees to show why we need to keep kids warm,” he said. “We need to make sure they get what they need."

Scairpon said he enjoys when the department is able to build rapport with community members at events like the coat drive.

“For me, it’s about connecting with the community,” he said.

He also wanted to thank those who support local police.

“I love how much Marysville cares for those in the community and we appreciate the support that comes to our police force,” said Scairpon.

“This is just one small way that we can give back,” he added.