Community fills a cruiser with toys to help local families

December 12, 2015 at 3:45p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Police lights drew people to the parking lot of St. Christine’s Church on Schenley Avenue where cruisers were parked with their trunks open.

The plan was for members of the community to “Fill a Cruiser” with toys to help local families in need during the holiday season.

Officer George Wallace, an organizer of the event, said the Youngstown Police Department learned of two families with young children that could use some assistance with holiday gifts. And the “Fill a Cruiser” idea was born.

Wallace said it was a “last minute idea” of the community police officers. It’s the first time they’ve held an event of this sort.

He also said he kept his expectations low so he wouldn’t be disappointed, but in just the first half hour of the toy drive held Saturday, members of the community filled more than two police cruiser trunks. Others stopped to offer monetary donations.

“It definitely shows that a lot of people still care and want to give back and want to do great things,” Wallace said. “The turnout’s been awesome.”