The Estevan Police Service is gearing up for another successful year of its annual toy drive, known as "Pack the Cruiser." This initiative, which partners with local elementary schools, invites students and their families to donate toys for the Angel Tree program, helping bring holiday joy to families in need.
Sergeant Braden Lonsberry of the Estevan Police Service shared the excitement about the event. "We’ve partnered up with the schools here for the last few years for Angel Tree, which we call the Pack the Cruiser event," he explained. "We take a cruiser down to each of the elementary schools, and the kids bring any presents or gifts that they have. They can put them into the cruiser, and we deliver them to Angel Tree."
The community response has been overwhelming. Lonsberry emphasized how generous Estevan residents have been over the years, "The response has been amazing. I know that we’ve filled several cruisers on multiple occasions." With the support of community members, the toy drive has been a heartwarming success, ensuring that individuals and families who are less fortunate can enjoy the holiday season.
As the toy drive continues to grow, Lonsberry reflected on its impact, saying, "The number of gifts and donations we’re delivering keeps increasing each year. It's nice to help out those who may not have something under the tree on Christmas."
The event offers more than just a chance to give back—it provides an opportunity for positive community interaction. "A lot of the kids love being able to go in and throw their present in the back of the cruiser, take some photos with the police that are there, and just have that positive interaction," Lonsberry noted.
Lonsberry encouraged families to participate and make this year’s toy drive even more impactful. "If you’re able to, it’d be great to send something with your kids to school to help fill the cruiser," he said. "Every little bit helps, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to give back and experience the joy of helping others."
The "Pack the Cruiser" event promises to be another memorable and successful toy drive, with Estevan's generosity shining through yet again this holiday season.