“Stuff the Squad Car” is taking place on Saturday to raise funds for abused children

VAN BUREN – Donations of toys and gifts for child abuse victims will be collected Saturday to fill the patrol car for some of the community’s most at-risk youth.

The event will be held at the Van Buren Walmart, 2215 Fayetteville Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Van Buren Police officer outside the store accepts donations during the event.

Police and the Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy are working together to coordinate the collection.

“We get a lot of toy donations,” said Police Capt. Stephen Staggs. “Usually the patrol car is full.”

Sometimes the donations can fill two of the Chevrolet Tahoes that Van Buren police use as patrol cars, he said.

Items suggested for donations include: nail polish, makeup sets, face masks, skin care products, self-care items, beanies, cologne sets, board games, card games, headphones, socks and small Bluetooth speakers.

Any other items for children or teens will be taken and monetary donations to the Hamilton Center are always welcome, Staggs said.

The police work with different organizations for this event every year, he noted.

According to the group’s website, the Hamilton Center aims to provide a safe place for children who have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. The nonprofit provides forensic interviews, advocacy, mental health referrals and specialized medical evaluations for these children.

The center is located at 2713 S. 74th St., Suite 204, in Fort Smith.