(STURGIS) – The 2020 Stuff A Blue Goose Christmas food and toy drive was better than organizers expected.

For the 12th consecutive year, Michigan State Police troopers were at the Sturgis, Three Rivers and Coldwater Wal Mart Stores on Saturday. Their mission was to collect non perishable food items and new toys for families in need in both St. Joseph and Branch Counties.

Trooper Jason Sylvester was at the Sturgis Wal Mart Store and says he was blown away by the generosity shown by the community. ...... {LISTEN}.

Sylvester says the troopers at the other locations reported the same kind of response from the public. He also said some people came up and made cash contributions, which Troopers used to purchase items that were needed.

The Stuff A Blue Goose event is also an opportunity for the public to see State Troopers in a non official capacity and see that they are members of the communities they live in an want to give back.

The Salvation Army picked up the donated items and will distribute them to the families who need a hand up this Holiday season.