Wareham Police Department's Stuff-A-Cruiser a big success

Dec 17, 2012

The Wareham community filled police cars with hundreds of toys at Target and Walmart on Saturday, Dec. 15, during the Wareham Police Department's third annual Stuff-A-Cruiser event.

Everything collected was donated to the Dick Melloni Youth Foundation's annual holiday toy drive, which distributes the toys to Wareham families in need.

"The generosity of people donating toys was overwhelming, with hundreds of toy filling cruisers, [which] made multiple trips to the Melloni Foundation headquarters in Wareham," police said, adding that many donated in memory of the 20 children and six adults killed during a school shooting in Connecticut on Friday. "Children were especially happy to donate to other children who may not be as fortunate during Christmas."

Wareham Police gave a nod to Santa, who stopped by the event.

"A special 'thank you' is given to Santa, who looked very much like citizen volunteer Russ Brady," police said.

Wareham Police didn't stop spreading the holiday cheer after Stuff-A-Crusier. The Wareham Police Union, in conjunction with Target, sponsored the first ever Heroes and Helpers event at Target on Sunday.

"Children in need were escorted through the store by officers, in search of the perfect Christmas present," police said. "The event was successful and brought smiles to all involved."

The Wareham Police Department thanked Officer Karl Baptiste for organizing the events, as well as officers Dean Decas, Christopher Corner, James White, Blaise Lalli, Zina Kelsch, Herb Noble, Peter Silvia, Joe Cardoza, and Lts. Kevin Walsh and John Walcek.