CHELMSFORD — Chief Colin Spence is pleased to announce that the Chelmsford Police Department will once again host a Fill-A-Cruiser event to benefit Toys for Tots this year.

The event takes place at Walmart, located on 66 Parkhurst Road, Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 9am-3pm.

Chelmsford P.D. invites the community to fill one of its cruisers with gifts to benefit Toys for Tots, which will provide kids in need with gifts of their own this holiday season.

Residents are asked to contribute new, unwrapped toys for children ages infant to 16. This year, the Chelmsford Police Department hopes to collect and donate at least 3,000 toys.

This is the eleventh year that the department has collected gifts for Toys for Tots. It has been organized each year by Sgt. Stephen Fredericks.

“The Chelmsford Police Department’s tradition of assisting Toys for Tots is alive and well, and we are so pleased to be able to contribute to this great cause again this year,” said Chief Spence. “In addition to our fill-a-cruiser event, we are also collecting toys in the lobby of the police station throughout the holiday season, and we invite any resident to contribute to making Christmas brighter for children in need.”

Best Fitness and the Chelmsford Police Athletic League will be providing free hot chocolate to those at the event.

Those who want to donate but can’t make it to the event can drop off toys in the lobby of the Chelmsford Police Department at 2 Olde North Road. Those wishing to make larger donations can also contact Sgt. Fredericks to arrange a drop off by emailing: sfredericks@chelmsfordma.gov.

Toys for Tots was founded by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947 to donate toys to kids who are less fortunate during the holiday season. For more information on the Toys for Tots program, visit the foundation’s website.