HOLIDAY HELPERS
Police Department supports Toys for Tots through ‘Cram a Cruiser’ event
Mt. Pleasant Police Department ( MPPD) supports Toys for Tots with ‘Cram a Cruiser’ event to collect toys from community members.
Due to current COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts of Toys for Tots for Clare and Isabella Counties has had to change their usual protocols. This includes doing a drive-thru pick up for the families that applied to receive gifts for Christmas.
“We have only been able to put out about 1/3 of our donation boxes and cans,” Toys for Tots Coordinator Leah Harkrader- Ryckman said. “Our family requests for help are already higher than this time last year. Between businesses being closed or not wanting the extra traffic we are struggling. We have seen an increase in need and unfortunately, we could not hold any of our annual fundraisers this year so our funds are running dangerously low and our toy donations are down.”
To help Toys for Tots, local law enforcement have been trying to help by promoting donations through events and social media postings. Specifically, the MPPD held their annual ‘Cram a Cruiser’ donation drop off event on Wednesday, Dec. 9 and will be holding this event again on Friday, Dec. 11. The event is held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on both days at the Division of Public Safety Building on 804 E. High Street.
“We don’t get to do the extra fun stuff like we usually do, like a visit with Santa, but we’re still trying to make it a good outreach,” Mt. Pleasant Public Information Officer, Autume Balcom said. “Donations have been great. We’ve received hundreds of toys.”
Community members can drive through the front of the public safety building where officers volunteering their time with the event can take the toys from the donators cars and stuff them into a police vehicle.
“The police have always partnered with Toys for Tots for the community,” Balcom said. “People are really out here and giving. It’s been a great turn out.”
“Donations have been great. We’ve received hundreds of toys.” — Autume Balcom, public information officer, Mount Pleasant Police Department
The MPPD have participated in other events like ‘ Shop with a Cop’ where they partnered with Walmart to provide 21 families with gifts and dinner. In terms of MPPD’S efforts with Toys for Tots, they are competing with other local agencies to bring in the most toys.
“We’re hoping to get the trophy back,” Balcom said.
For those who want to donate directly to Toys for Tots, gifts can be ordered online and delivered to 6870 E. Airport Road. It’s also possible to donate to the Toys for Tots website at Mt-pleasant-mi.toysforTots.org or mail donations to PO Box 691, Mt Pleasant, MI 48804- 0691.
“Anything donated in any of these ways will stay in Isabella and Clare Counties and go directly to help the children in our community have a smile Christmas morning,” Harkrader-ryckman said.