Probation & Parole clothing drive collects 300-plus items

The seventth annual Delaware Department of Correction Probation & Parole winter clothing drive, Operation ZiPP Up, resulted in more than 300 winter clothing items being distributed to local missions, shelters and outreach programs across the state. The drive, conducted at Probation & Parole district offices throughout Delaware and at the DOC’s administrative headquarters in Dover, yielded 181 coats, 44 hats, 58 sets of gloves and 52 additional assorted items.

Since 2007, the first year of the campaign, more than 1,100 winter coats and more than 500 additional winter clothing items have been collected and donated.

“This annual program would not be possible without the ongoing support and encouragement of Probation & Parole senior leadership and the generosity of our officers, staff and their friends and families,” said senior probation officer Dennis Desilet, who oversees the collection effort. “Operation ZiPP Up is successful every year because of the great people who get involved and work behind the scenes to make it happen. I am incredibly proud of their dedication, innovation, energy and genuine concern for others.”

Project coordinators acknowledged by Desilet are Theresa Carrothers, Kate Giannone, Melissa Harris, Jodie Hunter, Angela Johnson, Stacey Mulholland and Belinda Vann.

“This event continually highlights the concern and support Department of Correction employees show for the communities they work and live in,” said DOC Commissioner Robert Coupe.