MENDON – In 2019, the Mendon Police Department hosted a “Shop with a Cop” event, where officers shopped with Mendon students who grew up with financial struggles. Because of the event’s lasting impact, the town’s police department and association formed their annual “Stuff-A-Cruiser” event in 2020, which has grown since.
Held annually at the New England Steak & Seafood on Route 16 in Mendon, local residents brought new, unwrapped gift donations and wish lists while taking photos with Santa Claus back on December 6th. In the past, donations only supported students in the Mendon/Upton School District, but distribution outreach expanded after an increase of community support each year.
All donated toys are distributed to individuals ages 0 to 22, specifically members of the greater Blackstone Valley area under DCF care. Gift distributions are done in partnership with the South Central Office of the Department of Children and Families in Whitinsville, a collaboration that dates several years.
Every year, Mendon PD’s “Stuff-A-Cruiser” event leaves their trailers filled with toy donations. As of this year, the event received $1,000 in monetary donations, according to Community Liaison & School Resource Officer Katherine Ellard, who organized the 2025 Stuff-A-Cruiser. All monetary donations will be used to buy more toys in addition to the ones that were donated.
Mendon PD hosts these “Fill-A-Cruiser” events with one goal in mind: to support families and strengthen the department’s connection with the community.
