Generous Donations Make Toy Drive a Success

Feed-A-Family and Stuff-A-Cruiser Thank Everyone

The Stuff-A-Cruiser campaign was a triumph, collecting toys for families and monetary donations for the Feed-A-Family program.

Officer Catherine Dixon said the donations filled five-and-a-half cruisers between the toy drive campaigns at QCC's various locations, including the main West Boylston Street campus, the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center, and QCC Southbridge.

“We believe this was a great success, being the first year doing this event,” Officer Dixon said. “We can’t wait to do it again next year. We were really taken aback with the donations from so many people, including students, faculty and staff, parents and even community members that were on campus for events. It really warmed our hearts. It was a pretty humbling experience.”

She said they had donations of children’s toys, crafts activities, stuffed animals and much more. 

All monetary donations went to the Feed-A-Family campaign. The remaining toys were donated to Toys for Tots Worcester County. Officer Dixon said they combined toy donations with the Veterans Centers and were able to help out the community as well as QCC families.

The Feed-A-Family campaign provides funds used throughout the year to assist students and their families who may struggle with homelessness or hunger. Unfortunately, many QCC students live so close to the margins that hunger is more than an isolated event. 

Managed through the Dean of Students office, Feed-A-Family provides grocery gift cards and/or cafeteria meals to QCC students known to be in need throughout the year.

Those interested may drop checks or cash QCC Feed-A-Family donations at the campus police office in the care of Chief Kevin Ritacco at any time. Please assist our campus police to "arrest" hunger at QCC.

Turning in the “police sirens” for holiday music, while dressed as “Blue Sergeant Santa” and ringing the bell for all to hear was enjoyable, said Sgt. Joseph Cecchi.  

“Portraying Santa in a blue suit for the first time was an amazing experience and brought about pure gratification. However, the true joy came from the students, parents, faculty and the children that I encountered during the three events,” said Sgt. Cecchi.

 “Sgt. Joseph Ceechi really made this event!” Officer Dixon said. “Without him in the Blue Santa costume, we would not have been so successful with the Stuff-A-Cruiser. Sgt. Ceechi was out there ringing his bell, greeting and giving out candy canes to everyone spreading the cheer.”

Tina Wells and Liz Woods, who sponsored the Feed-A-Family portion of this event, supplied the snacks and hot cocoa and helped spread the holiday cheer and greeted everyone. Ms. Woods attended the Downtown event and Ms. Wells attended the Main Campus and Southbridge events. “It was great working with other departments to make this event amazing,” said Officer Dixon.