BELLINGHAM – On the final weekend of November, Bellingham PD collected new, unwrapped toys for their annual “Stuff-A-Cruiser” toy drive at the Bellingham Walmart in 250 Hartford Avenue. With the help of the community, the toy drive was able to support 30 local families, according to Lt. Stephen Daigle.
During that weekend, local residents, volunteers, and supporters came together to fill the department’s cruisers with gifts. All gifts were distributed across the town of Bellingham, ensuring toys and essentials were given to struggling families before the holiday season.
Additionally, local businesses heavily contributed to the department’s Fill-A-Cruiser event. G&C Plumbing & Heating’s Bellingham division brought carts filled with toys, and J Brian Day Emergency Services brought boxes to help distribute the supply of donated gifts. The Magical Beginnings Learning Center also contributed, bringing a cruiser filled with toys for the event.
“The success of our holiday toy drives is entirely due to the generosity of the Bellingham community, and our local partners”, according to Daigle. “Our Officers are proud to help connect that generosity with families in need, and we’re grateful to everyone who took part in making the holidays brighter for local children.”
Bellingham PD also provided a Giving Tree at their department since Black Friday, according to an announcement via Facebook. The giving tree was filled with tags, and each tag provided a child’s Christmas wish list. Local residents and police staff alike took a tag from the tree, bought the gifts on that wish list, and returned them to the department by December 15th. According to Bellingham PD’s School Resource Officer, Nicole Sandell, all tags were taken and returned with gifts in the span of three days.
“These events reflect the true spirit of the season, neighbors helping neighbors” says Sandell when asked about the impact of their holiday events. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and compassion shown by our community.”
Gift donations can still be made at any time by visiting the department’s headquarters at 30 Blackstone Street in Bellingham.
