The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is hosting its annual “Boatload of Toys” drive, inviting the public to donate new, unopened toys to help children in need this holiday season. This year’s effort supports the national Toys for Tots initiative, and donations can be made in person at designated drop-off locations or online through NRP’s Amazon gift registry.
Toys collected during the drive will be distributed to families across Maryland, with NRP Reserve Officers and staff overseeing collection efforts. NRP Superintendent Orlando Lilly highlighted the drive’s importance, saying, “This time of the year can be difficult for certain families, and it’s important they feel the holiday love from us.”
Collection Locations and Dates
Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted at various Walmart locations across Maryland. Collection dates and times are as follows:
- December 1, 2024:
Pasadena Walmart
8107 Gov. Ritchie Highway, Pasadena
Noon – 4 p.m. - December 7, 2024:
Denton Walmart
610 Legion Road, Denton
Noon – 4 p.m.
Hagerstown Walmart
17850 Garland Groh Blvd., Hagerstown
Noon – 4 p.m. - December 8, 2024:
LaVale Walmart
12500 Country Club Mall Road, LaVale
Noon – 4 p.m.
Berlin Walmart
11416 Ocean Gateway, Berlin
Noon – 4 p.m.
Cockeysville Walmart
1 Frankel Way, Cockeysville
Noon – 4 p.m. - December 14, 2024:
Sykesville Walmart
6400A Ridge Road, Sykesville
Noon – 4 p.m.
Additional locations may be announced in the coming weeks, with updates provided on NRP’s website and social media.
Online Donations Through Amazon
For those unable to visit a drop-off site, NRP’s online Amazon gift registry offers a convenient way to contribute. Donors can select toys from the registry and ship them directly to the “NRP Safety Education Unit.” This option ensures Marylanders can support the initiative from anywhere.
A Growing Tradition of Giving
In 2023, the “Boatload of Toys” drive collected 1,353 toys and raised $557, benefiting hundreds of families during the holiday season. This year, NRP aims to exceed those numbers with expanded collection opportunities and increased community participation.
“The Natural Resources Police is excited to make an impact with the local community this holiday season,” Lilly said. “Between gathering toys in locations around Maryland, collecting monetary donations, and interfacing with those we serve, we value this effort highly.”
Supporting Maryland Families
The annual “Boatload of Toys” drive has become a cherished tradition, underscoring NRP’s commitment to serving Maryland’s communities. By partnering with Toys for Tots, the program helps bring joy to children and families who may otherwise struggle to celebrate the season.
For more information about the drive, updates on additional locations, or to access the Amazon gift registry, visit NRP’s official website or follow them on social media.
