DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Michiganders who are Christmas shopping may want to consider adding an extra toy in their carts for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Stuff a Truck holiday toy collections.

What is Stuff a Truck?

The goal is to collect new, packaged toys and “stuff” the back of a conservation officer patrol truck. All collected toys will be donated locally to ensure kids have gifts to open Christmas Day.

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“Michigan conservation officers are connected to our communities – not just through law enforcement but also by actively working to build community relationships, too,” said Lt. Todd Szyska, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor in Detroit. “Christmas should be a time for peace, love, hope and joy. We want to share that spirit of the season by helping those in need and making the holiday a little brighter.”

Stuff a Truck started in Detroit on Belle Isle in 2019. Over the years, it expanded to locations in Clare, Gaylord, Grandville, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and Traverse City.

This year, Stuff a Truck events will accept new, unwrapped, packaged toys at several locations.

Saturday, Nov. 30.

Detroit: DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the OAC and take complimentary pictures with anyone who donates a toy. Donations go to the DPD Sergeant Santa program.  A drop-off bin will be available during business hours until Dec. 6.

Saturday, Dec. 7.

  • Traverse City: Blain’s Farm and Fleet, 210 U.S. 31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations go to Toys for Tots.
  • Kalamazoo: Walmart, 6065 Gull Road, noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Kalamazoo Salvation Army.
  • Muskegon: Walmart, 1879 E. Sherman Blvd., noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Muskegon Salvation Army.
  • Grandville: Cabela’s, 3000 44th St. SW, noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Grand Rapids Salvation Army.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8.

Jay’s Sporting Goods, 8800 S. Clare Ave., Clare and 1151 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations will go to the Central Michigan and Gaylord Toys for Tots.

Drop-off donation bins locations through Friday, Dec. 6.

  • Belle Isle Park Office, 99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit. Donations go to the DPD Sergeant Santa program.
  • Maybury State Park, 49601 Eight Mile, Northville. Donations go to the DPD Sergeant Santa program.
  • DNR Plainwell Customer Service Center, 621 N. 10th St. Donations go to the Grand Rapids Salvation Army.