The holiday season is about more than just finals and festive decorations. It’s a time to come together as a community to make a meaningful impact — and this year’s Fifth Annual Toy Drive, “Stuff the Truck,” exemplifies that spirit of giving. Organized by the Stevens Police Department in collaboration with the Stevens Athletic Department and the Student Government Association (SGA), the drive aims to collect toys for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hudson County.
The toy drive, which began December 1, is a chance for students, staff, and faculty to brighten the holidays for children facing economic, social, and family challenges. The Boys and Girls Clubs organization has been supporting youth development for over 130 years. Donation efforts will culminate in a special evening during the basketball game on December 11 at 7 p.m. in the Schaefer Center Lobby. The event will feature the excitement of Stevens basketball and the community’s generosity, with Russel Rogers, Director of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation, inviting the visiting team and their supporters to contribute to the cause.
Much like the Stevens Police Department’s successful No-Shave November campaign, which raised funds and awareness for Fight Colorectal Cancer, the “Stuff the Truck” initiative is a testament to the power of collective action. Throughout the drive, decorated gift boxes will be stationed across campus, including at Stevens Police Headquarters, the SGA office, and other central locations. These collection points make it easy for the campus community to get involved and share the joy of giving.
Social media and campus communication channels will amplify the effort, much as they did for No-Shave November. Updates, photos of the growing collection of toys, and reminders to participate will keep the holiday spirit alive.
On December 16, the season’s magic will peak as members of the Stevens Police Department, Santa and the Elf, the Athletic Department, and the SGA deliver the donated toys to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hudson County during their Christmas gathering. The event, held at 123 Jefferson Street in Hoboken, NJ, will bring smiles to children and their families. All Stevens community members, including their families, are invited to join this celebration.
While the toys are tangible gifts, the real gift lies in the spirit of compassion and unity that drives efforts like this one. Whether through growing a beard for cancer awareness or filling a truck with toys for needy children, the Stevens Police Department continues to inspire and lead by example.
This holiday season, as Stevens Police say, let’s “Stuff the Truck” with more than toys—let’s fill it with the hope, kindness, and generosity that define the Stevens community. Together, we can ensure that the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hudson County have even more reasons to celebrate.
