A GREAT TRADITION TMZSports.com
For the 22nd year in a row, Shawne Merriman will get out into the community in order to assist the needy ... and he tells TMZ Sports he couldn't be happier to do it!
The Chargers legend is hosting his annual Lights On Foundation Coat Drive later Saturday ... just before his alma mater, the University of Maryland, takes on Rutgers in a big college football game.
The ex-pass rusher says he'll personally be at the event -- helping collect "gloves, scarves, hats" and "anything that's going to keep people warm" as the cold winter months approach.