Young Explorers Visit Hundreds of Homes in Menlo Park

The volunteers collected cash, coats, and toys on a wintry Sunday afternoon, with the goal of donating these things to underprivileged families in Menlo Park.

as they are known, went to 467 houses in town, said Police Officer Victoria Trask. Trask organized the donation drive. 

“The Explorers have been fortunate to be a part of a volunteer program that works closely with the community,” Trask said.  “They were able to help those less fortunate than them have a better holiday season this year and appreciated all the donations they collected.”

The youths collected three 32-gallon bins of coats for the non-profit organization One Warm Coat and 390 pounds of food for the which feeds families throughout the Peninsula.

The group is formed of volunteers between the ages of 14 and 21 who are exploring careers in public safety.  Some of the members work with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, while others work with the Menlo Park Police. The program is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America.

Menlo Park’s Explorers also filled an 8-foot long truck bed with playthings for the Toys for Tots organization.  75 families were able to have presents under the tree on Christmas Day as a result, Trask said. 

“The Menlo Park Police Explorers will continue to accept coat donations throughout December and January with a collection drop off bin located in the Menlo Park Police Department lobby,” Trask said.  She said they would accept new or "gently worn" coats. 

The donation bin will be located in the downtown police department lobby through January 31, 2013.

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