Fill-A-Chelmsford Police Cruiser With Toys For Tots

CHELMSFORD, MA — The Chelmsford Police Department is asking the community to help it fill one of its cruisers with gifts to benefit Toys for Tots, as a way to help children in need this holiday season.

Beginning at 9 a.m., Dec. 5 a cruiser parked at the Walmart on Parkhurst Road will be taking donations.

Residents are asked to contribute new, unwrapped toys for babies through children that are 16 years old. Last year about 3,000 toys were year donated and officers are hoping to collect and donate that many again this year.

For the past eight years Sgt. Stephen Fredericks has organized the event to support Toys For Tots. That organization was founded by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947 to donate toys to kids who are less fortunate during the holiday season.

“We are excited to once again host this incredible event to help give back to our community,” Chief James Spinney said. “Thank you to Sgt. Fredericks for all this work organizing this event for the last few years and for those who have helped to make this program an overwhelming success each year. These gifts, no matter how small, can help bring joy to local children and families this holiday season."

People are asked to wear a mask or face covering, and to practice social distancing when dropping off their items to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

For more information on the Toys for Tots program, visit the foundation’s website.