IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Troopers from the MSP Iron Mountain post were parked outside the local Walmart this afternoon, hoping the community would help fill a patrol car or two with toys.
“We are collecting toys. We partnered with Toys for Tots, and then we’re going to be distributing toys throughout the area,” said MSP Trooper Geno Basanese.
It’s part of the annual “Stuff a Blue Goose” drive, named after the nickname for the iconic MSP patrol vehicles. Troopers were collecting new unwrapped toys, all benefiting Toys for Tots right here in the up.
“You always want to help everybody, but they really want to help the people in their backyard,” said Trooper Basanese.
Statewide, the Michigan State Police are marking their 16th year of the holiday tradition. It all began back in 2009 when a trooper saw a growing need in his own community. What started with three posts has now grown to more than 30 events across Michigan, and the good people of the Iron Mountain area didn’t disappoint.
“This community is so generous. It’s absolutely unbelievable. Whether we are doing food drives, whether we’re doing toy drives, they come out, and they support every single time, and we sure appreciate that,” exclaimed Basanese.
And the spirit of giving certainly has no age limit. Area sixth grader Gavin Ollila has been selling candy after school and donated his hard-earned cash to help less fortunate kids.
“Because I just made $200 like an hour ago, and I wanted to give them $200,” said Gavin.
Last year alone, the generosity added up. Troopers collected more than 12,000 toys, 4000 pounds of food, and $50,000 in donations.
“The smile on the faces of the recipients is absolutely immeasurable, and that’s what it’s about,” said Trooper Basanese.
