More than 300 local children will get warm coats, hats, gloves and other winter apparel thanks to the Marysville Police Officers Association warm clothing drive.

During the three-day drive, the MPOA collected more than 200 coats, 290 winter hats, 375 pairs of gloves, 40 scarves and 104 pairs of socks. Community members also donated more than $890, which the MPOA will use to purchase additional coats.

Members of the MPOA teamed up with families of the Stilly Venom Baseball Club, and Marysville Select 8th grade basketball teams, in collecting clothing and cash donations during the three day period.

“We are incredibly grateful to the community for their support,” said MPOA secretary Chris Jones. “This drive was more successful than we could have ever expected.” Jones also expressed thanks for donations made by the Bikers Against Child Abuse.

The warm clothing collected during the MOPA drive will be distributed to local children on Dec. 16, at the Marysville Food Bank Toy Store, and Dec. 17, at The Grove Church. This was the first year of the MPOA warm clothing drive, and organizers hope to plan a similar event next year.

Special thanks go out to Marysville Parks and Recreation Services Manager Tara Mizell for her help coordinating the event, and to the Marysville Wal-Mart for hosting the warm clothing drive.