CLEVELAND — Santa and his elves got to share smiles and say thank you to carloads of supporters who stopped by the Dec. 4 Stuff the Truck event, a drive-through toy drive presented by the Skylight Foundation, at Market Square Park in Cleveland.
WKYC Studios was the media partner for the toy drive, held outdoors at the corner of W. 25th Street and Lorain Avenue, across from the West Side Market.
During the toy drive, people were asked to stay in their cars, and members of the Stuff the Truck team greeted them and collected donations. Santa and his elves were also there to say hello.
If you missed it, no need to worry because you can still make a financial donation here on the Skylight Foundation's website. Be sure to note "Cleveland Toy Drive" on your donation.
Some of the toys collected will be distributed by A Special Wish Foundation's Cleveland chapter, which serves children with life-threatening medical disorders and their families.
The rest of the gifts will go to the Cleveland Police Foundation, to be given out to local children during the holiday season and also year-round. "We not only distribute to those in the greatest need in the city of Cleveland throughout the holidays… we have gotten to a point where we can keep the toys around to help children in stressful situations anytime they are involved with the Cleveland Police Foundation or Cleveland Fire department,” said Jonathan Goldston, a partner at Skylight Financial Group, during an interview on WKYC Studio’s show "We the People."
Keith Sulzer, liaison to the Cleveland Police Foundation, said the annual toy drive used to be an in-person party, but organizers made the choice to switch to a drive-through event due to the pandemic. “I have a close relationship with Santa Claus and we really made this a great event. Skylight has been incredible as far as gaining momentum and giving to more kids across the city,” said Keith Sulzer, liaison to the Cleveland Police Foundation, during an interview on "We The People."
“A hundred percent of what you give will go to our families in need. It’s an awesome event," Sulzer said.
MORE HOLIDAY HEADLINES: