Donate Toys In Honor Of Olivia Schneider, Girl Who Died In Fire

MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OH — The Mayfield Heights community still acutely feels the loss of Olivia Schneider and her mother Rebecca Pletnewski. To help mend the wounded city, the Mayfield Heights Police Department is rolling out a special toy drive.

On Saturday, the department will hold its annual "fill-the-cruiser" event. During that drive, residents and shoppers at the local Walmart can donate food and money that will go to families in need in Mayfield Heights. This year, officers will also be collecting another item — one touched with emotional resonance.

Eight-year-old Olivia had a beautiful dream: She wanted to give a toy to every child in need. In honor of Olivia, police said they will also collect toys during the fill-the-cruiser event.

The fill-the-cruiser campaign will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The cruiser will be parked at the corner of SOM Center Road and Mayfield Road, near Walmart.

"Come out and help your police department give back to people in the community. Thanks in advance," the department said on Facebook.

Olivia and her mother were killed on Nov. 20. Pletnewski was stabbed to death, while Olivia died from smoke inhalation after Pletnewski's house was set on fire.

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Photo from Ashley Ludwig, Patch