Annual Shelburne Police Service ‘Stuff a Cruiser’ set to start this weekend

Written By MARNI WALSH

The Shelburne Police Service (SPS) will host their annual ‘Stuff-a-Cruiser' toy and food Drive this weekend.

The event will begin in the evening on Friday, Dec. 6 outside of No Frills, and will continue on Saturday, Dec. 7 outside at the Foodland and Giant Tiger Plaza. The drive is run by officers and auxiliaries volunteering their time.  

Sgt. Paul Neumann says, “This event is always well received, and the police trailer typically gets filled with food, toys, cash, gift cards, and clothes every year.”  

He added, “The volunteers always enjoy this event, as they get to interact with the community in a positive and cheerful manner.”

Local Police Chief Kent Moore noted ‘Stuff a Cruiser' has become something of a tradition for the Shelburne force.

 “The SPS have been doing the Stuff-a-Cruiser event for approximately 15 years,” says Chief Kent Moore. “The initial inspiration for this event was to try to help Dufferin County families and people during the holiday season who are struggling or less fortunate than others.  Unfortunately, as police officers we see these people and families on a fairly regular basis, and it is rewarding to be able to give back at times like this.”

Sgt. Neumann told the Free Press, “The food is distributed through the Salvation Army's Food Bank. The other items are shared by Dufferin Child and Family Services and the Salvation Army.  They go to youth or families who have financial challenges to make the season special for their loved ones.” 

The members of Shelburne Police are encouraging their community to help support these worthy causes by bringing any of the following items to one of the Stuff-a-Cruiser events: non-perishable food items, new toys in original packaging, cash donations, newclothing, reading material.

Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS) puts together ‘Simply Care Kits' for all ages.  The organization is looking for items appropriate for young children through to teenagers:  

“Something to keep me healthy, something to read, something to play, something to wear, something to share.” Sgt. Neumann notes, this year DCAFS is looking for items suitable for teenagers as well, as “typically donations are geared mainly to young children.”  

“We, as a police service, are always amazed by the generosity of people who donate during the Shelburne Police Service Stuff-a-Cruiser event,” says Chief Moore. 

Stop by and help Stuff-a-Cruiser, this Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at No Frills; and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Foodland and Giant Tiger Plaza in Shelburne.