Michigan State Police are collecting items for the annual Stuff a Blue Goose event, helping families in need this holiday season.

The "Blue Goose" has been used to describe MSP patrol vehicles for decades.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 19, a Blue Goose will be parked outside the Walmart at 2107 S. 11th Street in Niles and the Meijer at 5019 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville to collect toys, gift cards, toiletries, and nonperishable food items for area organizations.

The donations at these locations will be distributed to Mosaic Wonderland Toy Store, Cass County Toys for Tots, Redbud Area Ministries, and Helping Hands of Cass County to support families in need in southwest Michigan.

The Mosaic Wonderland Toy Store needs toys for kids of all ages and gift cards (for Meijer, Walmart, Best Buy, or Kohls) of $50 or less for teenagers. The organization hosts a Christmas shopping experience each year for families who can't afford gifts for their children.

Cass County Toys for Tots is asking for new toys this holiday season.

Redbud Area Ministries and Helping Hands of Cass County need nonperishable food items.

If you cannot make it to one of these Stuff a Blue Goose locations, you can drop off items at the MSP Niles Post, located at 1600 Silverbrook Ave., at any time.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 3, the MSP Marshall Post and White Pigeon Detachment will be collecting items in Three Rivers and Sturgis.

A Blue Goose will be parked at the Walmart in Three Rivers and the Walmart in Sturgis to collect new toys and non-perishable food items. With the help of the Salvation Army, these donations will be distributed to families in need in St. Joseph County.