URI Police Officers Collect 3,000 Toys In Stuff-A-Cruiser Drive

KINGSTON, RI — Univeristy of Rhode Island police officers collected more than 3,000 toys during this year's Stuff-A-Cruiser drive, held at the North Kingstown Walmart. The donations will benefit five charities that ensure children in need have a happy holiday.

The drive was coordinated by Sergeant Erica Vieria, who reached out to shelters across the state to find out what families needed most and learn more about the children in need of holiday gifts.

"This is our fifth year collecting toys, clothing and essentials for shelters across the state, as well as Hasbro Children’s Hospital," Vieira said. "Each year the wish lists from the shelters get longer, but thanks to the kindness of Rhode Island residents we manage to provide for everyone’s requests."

Using the information she learned ahead of time, Vieira was able to create individual shopping lists about families for shoppers.

"It warms our hearts to know that we not only have helped put a smile on a child's face when they open their gifts on Christmas morning, but we feel content knowing that they also received some essential items such as a new coat or boots to get them through the winter," Vieira continued. "Thank you to everyone who donated, as each of you really do make a huge difference in so many less fortunate people's lives."

The collected toys were distributed to Children’s Friends in Providence, the Providence Center, Olean Center in Westerly, Welcome House of Wakefield and Hasbro Children’s Hospital.