COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Former University of Maryland football standout and NFL All-Pro, Shawne Merriman, will hold his annual "Lights On" Foundation Coat Drive prior to this Thursday's Maryland-George Washington men's basketball game, which is scheduled to tip at 6:30 p.m. at XFINITY Center.
The focus of this year's coat drive is to aid vulnerable children and adults affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. As many individuals continue to struggle due to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, adding to the challenge is the fast-approaching winter season. COVID-19 creates an extraordinary danger for vulnerable communities who are without proper outerwear and clothing to keep warm.
"The coat drive has always been special to me because I know what it feels like to go without a coat in the winter," said Merriman. "With people facing joblessness and homelessness, not being able to have a coat due to COVID is even more devastating. This year, I want to make this our biggest effort yet because people need it the most."
Terrapin student-athlete volunteers will be on hand to collect gently used coats, hats, scarves and other cold weather gear at designated entrances of XFINITY Center starting at 5 p.m. Collection will end at 6:30 p.m. Collection bins will be set up at Gate A (South Plaza Gate/Main Public Entrance), Gate B (North Plaza Gate) and Gate E (Garage Concourse Gate).
Initiated while still a student at Maryland, Merriman's Lights On Foundation has collected more than 35,000 coats over the past 19 years to benefit communities in the local Maryland and DC areas as well as those affected by past disasters such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Merriman's Lights On Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for youth and to help the homeless. Merriman donates time, money and other resources throughout the country by increasing opportunities for children to lead healthy and fulfilling lives through his foundation. By building corporate partnerships within the community, Merriman is able to provide financial assistance to projects focusing primarily on helping the homeless and children in need.
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