The annual event began in 2017 and is made possible by the combined efforts of the Salem Police Department, Quaker Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88, Columbiana County Job and Family Services, Nina’s Closet, Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 15, Salem Walmart — which hosted the event every year –and dozens of community members who volunteer their time.

Each year the department compiles a list of children in foster care and other children in need ages 0-18 with Columbiana County Children’s Services and Nina’s Closet, and collects new toys, clothes, books, school supplies and toiletries to fulfill their requests.

“We’ve got a lot of kids we want to take care of, and the public has always been very generous,” said Police Chief J.T. Panezott.

This year’s event saw visits from Salem’s new K-9 officers, Chaz and Fero, in their first community events; an “extra grinchy” visit by the Grinch portrayed by Jacob McEldowney’ and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, portrayed by Pete and Debby Whitman of Salem Saint Nick, who handed out candy canes and took photos with all of the good boys and girls.

The “Stuff a Cruiser” event also received a surprise” extra grinchy” visit from The Grinch himself, who took photos and entertained children and donors alike with his antics. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

Quaker Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 88 President and Salem Police Sgt. Mike Garber said that each year the event has fulfilled Christmas wishes for between 90 and 120 children across Columbiana County. Garber explained that when it was originally conceived the “Stuff a Cruiser” event was intended to serve children who lived with their grandparents or otherwise displaced by the opioid epidemic who often experience financial struggles. While this is still a major focus for the event, it has since expanded its aim to help any child.

Once the donated items are collected, they are transported back to city hall to be sorted and divided among the children by volunteers based on a list of items that each child needs and wants, to ensure that each child receives appropriate gifts that they will love.

Panezott said that every donation benefits someone in need, with any excess donations being sent to the Salem High School and Buckeye Elementary for students in need or donated to local non-profits.

“Nothing goes to waste –we make sure to find a home for every item that’s donated,” said Panezott.

Panezott thanked the community for the outpouring of support the event receives each year, and thanked Wal-Mart for its continuing support.

Once the toys have been collected, they are transported back to city hall where dedicated volunteers, whom Chief Panezott described as “the real brains of the operation” sort and divide the donations among this year’s recipients, ensuring that each receive age-appropriate gifts matching their needs and wants that they will love. Shown from left are Jessica Wirkner, Lisa Panezott, Kayla Garber, Coraline Shaffer, Lisa Shafer, and Devin Shafer. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

“I think we’re doing really well this year, this is just another great example of how awesome our community is and how people come together for those in need, and Wal-Mart is always awesome hosting us each year,” said Panezott.

This year the dedicated volunteers ensured that 49 children across Columbiana County have a merry Christmas this year. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)