DHC volunteers continued their support for the University of Kentucky Police Department’s (UKPD) 8th annual “Cram the Cruiser” toy drive. They delivered unwrapped toys for UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH) patients on November 8th, 2024.
Last year, volunteers delivered toys on November 17th, 2023 [Report (wkyt) for “Cram the Cruiser” Toy Drive]. UKPD “Cram the Cruiser” 7th Annual Toy Drive Supported by DHC – Doctors for Healthy Communities
“The ‘Cram the Cruiser’ toy drive is something that UK Police look forward to every holiday season,” said UK Police Chief Joe Monroe. “Being involved in our community is an important part of our core values, and this is a wonderful opportunity to help out the children and their families who are away from their homes while hospitalized. This initiative helps to relieve the stress and burden of shopping for Christmas gifts for parents that are unable to leave the hospital. It continues to grow every year, and we invite the UK and Lexington communities to help continue bringing smiles to the children and their families.”
For Monroe, delivering toys to Kentucky Children’s Hospital is so special because of the joy it brings to the patients and their families. “I start growing the beard, usually in April or May, so I can really have the true Santa beard going on. It’s one of my favorite things I love to do and really have fun with being in the role as Chief of Police. In doing so, it gives us a chance to give back to the kids at the hospital who may not be able to get out and see Santa, have Santa come visit them,” said Chief Monroe.
From now until December 15, people can drop off new unwrapped toys at the police department at 305 E Euclid Ave, Lexington, KY 40506, or have them mailed to the station directly. KCH has published a list of acceptable items by age, including toys and books for children ages infant to teen. Find that full list and more information here.
Below are Cram the Cruiser Drive links for 2020, 2021 & 2022.
