NILES — The Michigan State Police are working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tyler Automotive and Fairfield Inn and Suites by collecting toys, food and clothing for those less fortunate.

The theme for this event will be “Stuff a Blue Goose” for the holidays.

The “Blue Goose” is a Michigan State Police patrol car and has been referred to as such for decades.  The group hopes to stuff the cars full of toys, food, clothing and monetary donations.   

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, a “Blue Goose” will be stationed outside the Tyler Automotive at 1810 S. 11th St., Niles, and at the Fairfield Inn and Suites at 4408 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville. Troopers will volunteer their time to collect donations.

Police said their goal is to gather as many items as possible during this three-hour period.  All of the items gathered will be given to those families supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass Counties. The donations stay local and help those families in need within our communities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass provides mentors for 170 children in the Berrien and Cass County area. BBBS is a donor-supported mentoring organization that carefully matches children with volunteer mentors in one-to-one professionally guided long-term relationships.

The goal for Big Brother and Big Sister mentors in all the BBBS programs is to help build the child’s self-confidence, encourage better school performance and help each child have a brighter view of his/her future.

This year marks the annual Stuff a Blue Goose fundraiser. Michigan State Troopers asked the community to help.  Those who are unable to make this date and time can drop off donations at the Michigan State Police Niles Post and the BBBS office in Niles.

For more information, contact Sgt. Matthew Waters at the Niles post at (269) 921-5698 or watersm@michigan.gov. Jenny Miner, the executive director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, is also available to answer questions at (269) 684-1100.