The Cape Coral Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard will host the annual “Fill the Boat” toy drive from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, at the Wal-Mart, at 1619 Del Prado Blvd.

A U.S. Coast Guard vessel will be outside and the goal is simple – fill the boat with toys. Purchase a new unwrapped toy and simply put it in the boat.

About 2,000 toys are collected each year at the event, officials reported.

On Sunday, at the end of the drive, the toys are taken to the CCPD, where they are then distributed to Cape children in need in time for the holidays.

Officer Matt Squires, a U.S. Coast Guard reservist, is running the event.

“We’re proud of Officer Squires for spearheading this community event each year,” CCPD spokesman Lt. Tony Sizemore said in a prepared statement.

“This year is special because it will mark our 10,000th toy collected and distributed. That is truly an amazing achievement,” he said. “Cape Coral is both a tremendously generous city as well as a city with children in need.”

“Come out and support this great event,” Sizemore added.

Source: Cape Coral Police Department