The Michigan State Police Niles Post is organizing a drive to gather toys, food and clothing for those less fortunate.

The theme for this event will be “Stuff a Blue Goose” for the holidays.

The “Blue Goose” is a nickname for the Michigan State Police patrol car. Troopers have long referred to their patrol cars as the “Blue Goose” and they hope to stuff them full of toys, food, clothing and monetary donations.

The MSP Niles Post will have a “Blue Goose” stationed outside the Tyler Automotive location at 1810 S. 11th St., in Niles on Dec. 6. Troopers will volunteer their time to collect donations from noon until 4 p.m. that day.

The goal is to gather as many toys, food and clothing items as possible during this four-hour period.

All of the items gathered will be given to those families supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass Counties. The donations stay local and help those families in need in local communities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass provides mentors for 170 children in the Berrien and Cass County area. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor-supported mentoring organization that carefully matches children with volunteer mentors in one-to-one professionally guided long-term relationships.

The goal for Big Brother and Big Sister mentors in all of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs is to help build the child’s self-confidence, encourage better school performance, and help each child have a brighter view of his or her future.

This is the first year that the Michigan State Police Niles Post is hosting this event.

Those unable to make the event can drop off donations at the Niles Michigan State Police Post and the Big Brothers Big Sisters office in Niles.

The Michigan State Police Niles Post is located at the Niles Law Enforcement Complex on Silverbrook Avenue in Niles.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass Counties is located at 205 Broadway St., Suite B in Niles.

For questions, contact the Michigan State Police Niles Post at (269) 683-4411 or Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass at (269) 684-1100.

Tyler Automotive for is helping with the event.