ATHOL – For those whose post-Thanksgiving plans include re-stocking the fridge or getting some holiday shopping done, there’s an option to do both and bring some holiday cheer to North Quabbin children and families.

Area residents are being asked to take part in the sixth annual Cram-A-Cruiser event this Saturday, Nov. 30. A police cruiser will be parked at the Market Basket at North Quabbin Commons in Athol from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Folks are being asked to drop off an unwrapped toy or gift for people of all ages.

The goal is to fill the vehicle to overflowing with gifts, which will then be distributed to families throughout the Athol-Orange area. Monetary contributions and gift cards are also welcome. Money and some gift cards will be used to purchase toys, while other gift cards will be given to local families.

Toys and gifts left over after distribution to local families will be donated to Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield. Those who can’t make it to the event can drop gifts off at the Athol police and fire departments or Athol Town Hall.

Cram-A-Cruiser has been an annual event in the Athol-Orange area since 2019, and has been popular in the U.S. and Canada since the middle of the last decade.

This year, special guests will include a horse-mounted unit and the Athol Police Department’s K9 unit. Hot chocolate will be provided by Starbucks, and of course, Santa will be stopping by for a visit. Members of the Athol and Orange police and fire departments will also be on hand to speak with visitors and spread some holiday cheer.

Athol Police Officer Courtney Call thanked Market Basket for providing a venue for the event. She said the event also receives support from Walmart and Marshalls, and the boxes used to hold all of the donations were provided by S & S Appliance of Athol.

A long list of local agencies and businesses also contribute to the event, said Call, adding that “Starbucks shows up every year without fail.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.