As a Marysville resident for nearly 25 years and your mayor since 2011, one of the things I love most is our community spirit. People in Marysville take care of their neighbors. We also know how to have fun and celebrate community. That’s true year-round but never more evident than during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season.
This week you’ll start seeing barrels and donation sites at city offices and many local businesses collecting food, coats and toys for less-fortunate families connected with the Marysville Community Food Bank. Last year the food bank served more than 16,000 families and provided 1,310 holiday baskets. About 98 percent of them said receiving food bank groceries allows them to use limited resources for other basic needs, most often utilities and housing. All City Food Drive Pick up a little something extra to donate Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marysville-area grocery stores. Your donations stay here to help local families in need. For a list of items that are always needed and special holiday requests, visit marysvillefoodbank.org. Gift cards or financial donations help buy perishable items like turkey and ham. Mail donations to Marysville Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 917, Marysville, WA 98270. Coats, Hats and Gloves Drive Starting Black Friday and running through the Thanks-giving holiday weekend, Marysville police and community partners will collect donations of new coats, hats and gloves. This year they’re trying to fill the Bearcat armored rescue vehicle.
Friday, Nov. 24, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Walmart, 8713 64th St. N.E.
Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fred Meyer, 9925 State Ave. Sunday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Walmart, 8713 64th St. N.E.
You can also drop off donations at the Marysville Police Department, 1635 Grove St., between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Toy Store Donations Unwrapped new toys, books and stocking stuffers for children ages birth through 17 are being collected at city offices and all Marysville fire stations through Dec. 8. Nearly 1,200 local children received gifts last year. Older children especially appreciate gift cards. Giving your time can also be a rewarding way to help. Volunteers ages 16 and older are needed for the toy store Dec. 11-14. If you have questions, contact Tara Mizell at 360-363-8404 or fbtoystore@gmail.com. Merrysville for the Holidays
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 2, for our city’s biggest holiday event. It starts at Comeford Park at 5 p.m. with free family activities, photo booths and a craft show. Live music starts at 5:30 p.m., and the Electric Lights Parade down State Ave. starts at 6:30 p.m. with special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus. Next comes the water tower lighting that will continue to offer a welcoming Marysville beacon through year’s end. Believe: A Magical Holiday Experience
New this year, children and families are invited to watch “The Polar Express,” a story about Christmas, friendship and bravery. Held Sunday, Dec. 10, at the historic Opera House, the afternoon includes movie-themed crafts, photo opportunities, popcorn and hot chocolate. Buy $8 tickets in advance at www.marsyvillewa.gov or call 360-363-8400. Holiday Tour of Lights Hundreds of families look forward to the transformation of Cedarcrest Golf Course into a winter wonderland. Hop on board the Holiday Rotary Train for the Tour of Lights, then enjoy a bonfire, s’mores and hot cocoa. Dates are Dec. 8-9, 13-16 and 20-23 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s a free event with donations accepted ($5 adults, $3 youth or $20 per family suggested). As we approach Thanksgiving, I am thankful to live, work and play in Marysville. Best wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year with family and friends. Jon Nehring is the mayor of Marysville. His column runs monthly.
