Below is a list of the MSP’s charitiable activities for the 2024 holiday season.

Negaunee Post

The Negaunee Post participated in 47 public relations events, directly benefiting several hundred people. Among these efforts, MSP troopers took part in “Shop with a Cop” and bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Additionally, $300 in cash was collected for the Stuff a Goose event at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alger County.

Sault Ste. Marie Post

An officer from the Michigan State Police Negaunee post rings the bell for the Salvation Army at Super One Foods in Marquette. The MSP has participated in several charitable efforts throughout the holiday season. (Courtesy photo)

Staff members participated in the “Shop with a Hero” event along with other local law enforcement and first responder agencies. The event provided holiday shopping opportunities for 86 kids between Walmart and Meijer. Through over $7,000 in donations, each child received $75 to $100 to spend on themselves or others.

The “Stuff a Blue Goose” toy drive in Luce County raised approximately $4,000 for local children in need. The Chippewa County “Stuff a Blue Goose” toy drive resulted in over 2,000 gifts being donated to approximately 350 local children. The CVED Coat Drive resulted in 50 coats being donated which were distributed between the Diane Peppler Resource Center in Sault Ste. Marie and the Women’s Resource Center of Marquette.

St. Ignace Post

The St. Ignace Post hosted a successful “Stuff a Blue Goose” event, raising $1,800 in toy donations, which resulted in approximately 450-500 toys. Additionally, MSP helped the Mackinac Bridge Authority adopt a family for the holidays.

Gladstone Post

Troopers at the Gladstone Post were busy spreading holiday cheer, partnering with Toys for Tots, and collecting donations at Walmart and Elmer’s Market in Escanaba. In just one day, they raised approximately $5,000 in cash donations and filled multiple boxes with toys. A trailer packed with non-perishable foods was also collected and donated to the local Salvation Army. In addition, MSP participated in the Rapid River Lights in the Park event, where two patrol cars were filled with canned goods for local food banks.

Manistique Outpost

The Manistique Outpost hosted three collection days, gathering over $4,000 worth of non-perishable food for families in Schoolcraft County. Troopers helped deliver food to 17 families in need and continue to support the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Manistique.

Iron Mountain Post

The Iron Mountain Post hosted a successful “Stuff a Blue Goose” food drive at Super One Foods, collecting approximately 1,000 lbs. of food for the Salvation Army. At Walmart, 100 toys and $100 were raised in collaboration with the Marine Corps Reserve. Local students also contributed, with 20 students from North Dickinson School collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program. The “Shop with a Cop” event saw around 30 students from Michigan and Wisconsin participating in a holiday shopping spree.

Wakefield Post

The Wakefield Post participated in three major events this season. The Harvest Gathering raised around $20,000 in donations and served approximately 400-500 families. Santa’s Headquarters, which was sponsored by local donations, supported 165 families. The “Shop with a Cop” event provided jackets, boots, snow pants, hats, and gloves to 15 children in need.

Calumet Post

The Calumet Post coordinated five donation events across the area, collecting a total of 5,172 lbs. of non-perishable food. Donations were distributed to several local food pantries, including the CLK Pantry, Angle Mission, St. Vincent de Paul, and Little Brother’s Friends of the Elderly.

“We truly care about our fellow community members, and it brings us great joy to be able to help give back to those in need during this holiday season.” said Lt. Ben Eckola MSP 8th District Public Information Officer. “The MSP extends a heartfelt thank you to all of the MSP members who participated in these events, as well as all of the businesses, community organizations, individuals, volunteers, fellow first responders, and fellow law enforcement members who partnered in these efforts to make them a success.”