KINGSTON, R.I. – December 6, 2017 – With the holiday season underway, most children are already dreaming about the gifts they’ll receive in a few weeks. Unfortunately for many families, toys are a luxury they cannot afford when the family budget barely covers the necessities

That’s why the University of Rhode Island Police Department is asking local residents to donate to its 3rd annual Stuff-A-Cruiser Holiday Toy Drive Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at Walmart, 1031 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown. All toys donated to the police department will benefit seven community service providers and the Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Refreshments will be served at the event.

“Last year, the drive was a great success and brought in more than 5,000 unwrapped toys,” said URI Police Maj. Michael Jagoda. “Officers and members of the community participated. The need is greater this year, and we are hoping to exceed what was collected last year. People are generous and want to help those going through hard times.”

For those who cannot drop by Dec. 16 or 17, the University of Rhode Island Police Department is accepting toy donations through Dec. 17 at the URI Police Station, 85 Briar Lane, Kingston, R.I. The department is accepting cash donations that will be used by social service agencies to purchase gift cards or highly requested items.

“The community has come together to support this cause immensely. We even find ourselves overwhelmed by the generosity of the public,” said URI Officer Paul Hanrahan. “Because the toy drive extends beyond the campus borders, families throughout South County and those with children in Hasbro Children’s Hospital benefit from the generosity of others.”

To volunteer for the Stuff-A-Cruiser event or make a donation, contact URI Police Officer Paul Hanrahan at 401-874-4910

Alexa Stewart, intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at URI and Public Relations and Communication Studies Major, wrote this press release.