Chelmsford Police Ask For Help Filling A Police Cruiser With Toys

CHELMSFORD, MA — It's December and that means the lights are going up and folks are turning to the next holiday. With that, the Chelmsford Police Department filling one of its cruisers with toys for kids in need this season.

Chelmsford Police have set a goal of collecting 3,000 toys this year after collecting about 1,600 in 2017 and approximately 2,600 in 2018. Sgt. Stephen Fredericks will be stationed in the Walmart parking lot for as long as it takes to reach that goal, Saturday Dec. 7, according to the department.

It might not take that long: In 2018 the department exceeded its goal by 600 toys.

If you are interested in participating, police ask that you contribute new, unwrapped toys still in their original packaging for children ages infant to 16.

"Every year we look forward to the tremendous support of our community for this effort," Chief James Spinneysaid. "I want to thank Sgt. Fredericks for continuing to make this event such a special and impactful day of giving back."

There will be free hot chocolate available throughout the event, courtesy of Best Fitness Gyms.

Toys for Tots was founded by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947 to donate toys to kids who are less fortunate during the holiday season.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 7, in the Walmart parking lot at, 66 Parkhurst Rd.