Bouquet — From Spl/Lt. Benjamin Eckola, Michigan State Police Eighth District public information officer:

The Michigan State Police are thankful for the opportunity around the holiday season to take part in fun, positive events like the 16th-annual “Stuff a Blue Goose” toy and food drive, with troopers again collecting new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items from the community for local families in need.

The MSP Gladstone Post’s drive will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Elmer’s County Market and Walmart in Escanaba. All non-perishable goods and toys will be donated to the Salvation Army and Toys for Toys program.

The MSP posts in Iron Mountain, Calumet, St. Ignace and Sault Ste Marie also have hosted Stuff a Blue Goose events in their areas.

The generosity of local businesses and Upper Peninsula community members is something special. Because of them, we’re able to give a gift to a child who might not have received one otherwise, help a local family or an elderly neighbor enjoy a good meal.

Our troopers really appreciate being able to enjoy fun and meaningful holiday events like this. We are so grateful for the good relationships that we have with our fellow Yoopers and the support the community provides to MSP, and to all local law enforcement.

We wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.