The Smithville Police Department is sponsoring a Christmas Coat Drive for needy children.
Records Clerk Beth Adcock, who is coordinating the coat drive, said gently used coats are needed for children, both boys and girls, from pre-school age sizes up to adult. “Right now we have some children that are not even asking for toys. They’re asking for coats. My goal right now is to get these children some coats. We are requesting anybody that has any coats that they are not wearing., that they’ve outgrown or have stored away, if they want to clean out their closet and donate them (coats) we would be more than thrilled to take them. We just want to make sure they (needy children) have something. We’re not asking anyone to go buy (new coats). We’re just asking for some good used coats. Please donate coats by Friday, December 14. That will give me a week to get it all together. You can contact me here at the police department at 597-8210, extension 1 or if you see an officer you can give the coats to them and they (officers) will bring them to me,” said Adcock.
Meanwhile, Adcock said the police department is planning a Christmas party for needy children and families. “We are planning a Christmas party for underprivileged children and families who are really needing help during this holiday season,” said Adcock. The party will be Friday, December 21 upstairs in the community room of city hall. We are working with Second Harvest getting the names (of those in need). We will be sending out letters inviting them. We will be providing food. We’ll have carolers and a local pastor will be reading about the birth of Christ. Santa will be there and we’ll be giving some presents. This is our first year of doing this. We are trying to give back to the community and let the children know that they can come to these officers if they are in need of anything. We want to make sure we have a good public relationship with them. We want to help these children and the families,” said Adcock.