KINGSTON, R.I. – Dec. 4, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island Department of Public Safety is hosting its annual “Stuff-a-Cruiser” toy drive Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Walmart in North Kingstown. This is the 10th annual drive held by the department that will go to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Children’s Friend, the Fogarty Center, Olean Center, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center and Rhody Outpost.

Unwrapped toys, toiletries, clothes and perishable food items are at the top of families’ wish lists this holiday season. Representatives from the URI Department of Public Safety, including URI police officers and other public safety personnel, will greet shoppers with holiday cheer to collect donations and share a list of needs for those who may wish to donate.

The event exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism at URI and in the larger community, according to Shawn Miner, coordinator of community outreach and education for the URI Department of Public Safety. 

“We see community members that definitely remember us being out there who say hi to us every year when they donate,” said Miner. “We also have staff whose kids help out, whose husbands and wives help out, so it really brings the spirit of the event from the workplace into the community.”

In previous years, the department has gratefully received about 3,000 donations to distribute to the community. With community support, they hope to be able to match or beat that number this year. Following the event, members of the department sort the toys and items collected, organize them into piles and deliver them to the organizations.

“The station looks like a toy store after the drive,” said Miner. “We are thankful for all the donations. Being able to share them with the organizations is truly rewarding and something we look forward to every drive.”

All members of the community are welcome to drop off unwrapped toys and other items between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Walmart is located at 1031 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown. Those who are unable to make it to Walmart but would still like to donate can drop donations off at the URI Police Station, 85 Briar Lane, Kingston through Dec. 14. 

To learn more, please visit: uri.edu/police/holiday/.

This story was written by Kiera Wrage, a senior majoring in public relations at the University of Rhode Island. Kiera is interning in URI’s Department of Communications and Marketing.