Police cruiser gets crammed with gifts during toy drive

Kamloops City

2023-12-07 15:16 PST

View larger image:  Volunteers in yellow reflective vests accept an armload of donated toys from a woman in a red coat, and load them into the back of a police SUV.

The back of a police SUV looked a bit like Santa’s sled on Saturday, as Lego kits and more were stuffed inside for kids throughout Kamloops.

On Dec. 2, 2023, the Kamloops RCMP Detachment held its annual Stuff the Cruiser toy drive in support of Christmas Amalgamated. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sergeant Safety Bear and members of the Kamloops RCMP Crime Prevention team parked their vehicles in front of the Toys R Us on Notre Dame Drive to collect unwrapped gifts and monetary donations. In total, the event is estimated to have brought in more than $8,000 worth of items to be distributed to local kids and teens through holiday hampers.

The event was an incredible illustration of the generosity and holiday spirit alive in Kamloops residents, said Corporal Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson. We had children who used their own savings to hand-pick and purchase a gift specifically for the toy drive. It really was an amazing experience to be present for.

The event cannot happen without the support of local businesses – this year Toys R Us – the volunteers, and people who donate, said Sandro Piroddi, coordinator of the Kamloops RCMP Crime Prevention Unit.

Stuff a Cruiser is one of those events that’s so rewarding, it’s easy to get volunteers to give up their Saturday and be a part of the toy collection, added Mr. Piroddi. We are incredibly grateful to the community for their continued support in helping more kids across Kamloops have something special to look forward to each year.

Anyone who would like to donate but missed Saturday’s event can contact Christmas Amalgamated at 250-376-0777.

Released by:

Email: crystal.evelyn@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: kamloops.rcmp.ca

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