Stoughton Police Officer Rashawn Destine (left), Sgt. Nate Derby (center) and Officer Rendi Brown collected toys from community members during the department’s Fill-a-Cruiser event at the police station on Saturday, Dec. 10. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department) 
The Stoughton Police Department’s weeks-long toy drive and Fill-a-Cruiser event collected hundreds of toys and other items for families in need. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department) 
Toys, games, puzzles, crafts, books, stuffed animals and sports equipment were collected for toddlers, kids and teens. Community members also donated items such as gloves and hats, as well as gift cards. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department) 
Toys, games, puzzles, crafts, books, stuffed animals and sports equipment were collected for toddlers, kids and teens. Community members also donated items such as gloves and hats, as well as gift cards. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department) 
Toys, games, puzzles, crafts, books, stuffed animals and sports equipment were collected for toddlers, kids and teens. Community members also donated items such as gloves and hats, as well as gift cards. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department) 
Toys, games, puzzles, crafts, books, stuffed animals and sports equipment were collected for toddlers, kids and teens. Community members also donated items such as gloves and hats, as well as gift cards. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)
STOUGHTON — Chief Donna M. McNamara is pleased to share that the Stoughton Police Department collected and distributed hundreds of toys and other gifts for local families in need this season. On behalf of the department, Chief McNamara would also like to thank all who donated this year.
This is the seventh year the department has held its toy drive. The collection effort began just after Thanksgiving and culminated with a Fill-a-Cruiser event on Saturday, Dec. 10.
During those weeks, community members were able to donate items inside the police station lobby, or drop them off with officers during the Fill-a-Cruiser event. Many officers helped to collect and sort the gifts in the Stoughton Police Department’s Community Room.
The agency collected toys, games, puzzles, crafts, books, stuffed animals and sports equipment for children ranging in age from toddlers to teens. Community members also donated items such as gloves and hats, as well as gift cards.
Between Dec. 12-16, the items were donated to Stoughton families in need, as well as distributed to local organizations and places of worship to be matched to age-appropriate wish lists. Thus far, the department has helped 35 Stoughton children and provided one family with a Christmas dinner.
Once local families’ wish lists were fulfilled, the remaining toys and items were donated to regional charities or neighboring police departments’ holiday collection drives.
“We are grateful to have held another successful toy drive this year and hope that we can help to brighten the holidays for families in need,” Chief McNamara said. “I would like to recognize Sgt. Nate Derby who puts a lot of time and effort into coordinating the toy drive and Fill-a-Cruiser events each year. I also express my utmost gratitude to everyone who donated something over the past few weeks. We are continuously inspired by the generosity of the Stoughton community.”
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