Beatrice Police hold third annual “Stuff the Cruiser” Christmas toy drive
Posted By: Alden German
agerman@klkntv.com
Thanksgiving may be over but the season of giving continues in Beatrice where the Beatrice Police Department is holding their third annual toy collection drive for the Christmas season.
The goal is to make sure every child is able to have a toy for Christmas because not every family has the means for a memorable Christmas.
“The reason we do this, and everyone that plays a part, is what makes this as great as it is,” said Officer Derrick Hosick of the Beatrice Police Department. Hosick is also the founder of the event.
Beatrice Police is holding their third annual “stuff the cruiser” event outside of the local Wal–Mart located at 3620 North 6th Street. They aim to collect as many new and unopened toys as possible beginning Black Friday and lasting through the weekend.
Last year’s event has a huge success.
“We usually fill that bus daily, so I’m unloading it every single day when we get done. That’s a lot of toys when it’s all said and done,” said Officer Hosick.
Once the drive is over, police deliver the toys to the Beatrice YMCA in mid–December. There, children of low income families, mainly from Gage County, can choose the toys they want.
Police say monetary donations are also welcome. You can drop off the money in person or address the donation to the police department.
Families that are interested in receiving toys can visit the Beatrice YMCA and fill out a form to learn if they’re qualified.
The collection drive is one of the best things about the Beatrice community.
“It’s a good feeling. I mean, that’s why I do this. It’s pretty amazing to see how many people are already asking about the “Stuff the Cruiser” program even months before we’re ready to go,” said Officer Hosick. “It’s nice to see a community our size can have this big of an impact and we can affect lots of people.”
The marked cruiser will be outside the Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
