MSP collected toys and food for area families

Michigan State Police, in cooperation with Salvation Army, collected new toys and non-perishable food items Saturday at Walmart in Sturgis, Three Rivers, and Coldwater for the “Stuff a Blue Goose” initiative to benefit area families and children during the Christmas season.

Salvation Army captain Sharyn Tennyson said the effort resulted in nearly 2,500 units of food and almost 1,200 toys.

St. Joseph and Branch counties, which the local Salvation Army covers, collected nearly 2,900 cans or boxes of food and almost 1,900 toys. Monetary donations totaled $150.

Troopers were assisted by volunteers and members of the Michigan State Police Explorers program.