Michigan State Police are organizing a drive to gather toys, food and clothing for those less fortunate. The theme for this holiday event will be “Stuff a Blue Goose.”

Michigan State Police often refer to their patrol car as a “blue goose.” So specially for the holidays, they are hoping to fill vehicle full of toys, food, clothing and monetary donations. 

Residents can donate by dropping off items between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 11 at Tyler Automotive, located at 1810 S. 11th St., in Niles. Troopers will be at the site helping to organize incoming donations.

Michigan State Police said their goal is to gather as many toys, food, and clothing items as possible during this three-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 within our communities. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass provides mentors for 170 children in the Berrien and Cass County area. BBBS 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 BBBS programs is to help build the child’s self-confidence, encourage better school performance, and help each child have a brighter view of their future.

This is MSP’s fourth year hosting this very event. Troopers encouraged residents to help them “Stuff a Blue Goose.”

Those who are unable to drop off donations at the set time are welcome to bring items for collection at the Michigan State Police Post and the BBBS office in Niles. 

Additional donations will be collected at Tyler Honda at 4356 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville.

For more information, contact Trooper Jesse Binns at (269) 569-1966 or BinnsJ1@michigan.gov or contact Jenny Miner, the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass at (269) 684-1100 extension P.

MSP thanked Tyler Automotive Group and the Tyler Honda Group for their assistance in this toy, food and money drive.