KINGSTON, R.I. – Dec. 10, 2024 – The University of Rhode Island Department of Public Safety will host its annual toy drive this weekend to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital and other local charities.
Representatives from the Department of Public Safety will be spreading the holiday cheer by collecting unwrapped toys and essential goods on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside Walmart, 1031 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown.
If you aren’t able to make it to Walmart, the URI Police Station, 85 Briar Lane, Kingston, will be accepting donations from now until Dec. 15.
In the weeks leading up to winter break, Shawn Miner, coordinator of community outreach for URI’s Department of Public Safety, reaches out to representatives of multiple charitable organizations in Rhode Island to assess which toys are in demand this season.
“The event helps us connect with people during a joyous time,” Miner says. “We are always touched by the generosity of the people who participate.”
The toy drive has been an annual event since 2015. Some of the organizations that benefit are Hasbro Children’s Foundation, The Frank Olean Center for Developmental/Intellectual Disability Services, as well as South County’s Welcome House, a non-profit dedicated to helping end homelessness in Rhode Island.
While the Stuff-A-Cruiser event began as a toy drive only, it has expanded in recent years to include other items, says Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Michael Jagoda. Every year, the Department of Public Safety is humbled to receive about 2,500 to 3,000 donations. This year, they hope to exceed the 3,000 mark.
Preparations for the drive begin months in advance, says Jagoda. The Hasbro Foundation provides a list of high-demand toys, but other affiliated charities provide lists of needed products as early as October.
It’s all about the community coming together for a good cause. Miner says, “Our officers and staff appreciate this event because it allows us to extend our service outside of the campus community, and further branch out to the local community.”
Once the event concludes at Walmart, officers, in holiday spirit, make their rounds to each of the local charities to deliver the gifts.
To learn more information, please visit uri.edu/police/holiday