Some times a name just sticks. Fortunately, traditions have a tendency to stick as well. The two combine again next month when the Michigan State Police team up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien & Cass Counties to keep alive the tradition wherein they work together to “Stuff a Blue Goose” for the holidays ahead.
The nickname “Blue Goose” has been around for decades, probably ever since Michigan State Police squad cars began sporting the immediately recognizable bold blue paint scheme that is the first thing you want to see when you’re looking for help and the last thing you want to see in the rear view mirror if you’re a little heavy of foot.
At any rate, the long standing tradition of stuffing a Blue Goose for the holidays brings lots of smiles to the less fortunate among us in the holiday season thanks to the generous donations of many who stop by the signature drive events to gather toys, food and clothing for such folks.
On Saturday, November 11th, Tyler Automotive will host a State Police “Blue Goose” on the lot in hopes that you and I will swing by with toys, food, clothing and monetary donations in an attempt to stuff that vehicle to the rooftop with gifts for the holiday season.
State Police Troopers will volunteer their time to collect your donations from 10am until 1pm that day at 1810 S. 11th Street in Niles, the home to the Tyler Automotive dealership lot.
Niles State Police Post Commander 1st Lt. Mike Dawson says, “Our goal is to gather as many toys, food, and clothing items as possible during this 3 hour period. All of the items gathered will be given to those families supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien & Cass Counties. The donations stay local and help those families in need within our communities.”
Jenny Miner is Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass. She says her organization, “Provides mentors for 170 children in the Berrien and Cass County area.” Her organization is a donor-supported mentoring organization that carefully matches children with volunteer mentors in one-to-one professionally guided long-term relationships. Miner tells us the goal for Big Brother and Big Sister mentors in all of their programs is to “Help build the child’s self-confidence, encourage better school performance, and help each child have a brighter view of his or her future.”
This is the Niles Post’s fourth year hosting this very important event, and they hope you will help your Michigan State Troopers “Stuff a Blue Goose,” that day — November 11, 2017 from 10am until 2pm at Tyler Automotive. If you are unable to make that date and time, donations are being collected at the Niles Michigan State Police Post and the Big Brothers Big Sisters office in Niles.
This year, there will also be a collection site at the sister showroom of Tyler Honda at 4356 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville.
