TIVERTON - Tom’s Market was a place of good cheer and extraordinary generosity this past Saturday, Dec. 14, as the Tiverton Police Department hosted its third annual Operation: Blue Santa “Stuff-A-Cruiser” event.

From Legos and dolls to bicycles and stuffed animals, the event brought in enough toys to fill at a minimum of eight police cruisers, sergeant John LeDuc said. Those donations will be going to Tiverton families who are in need this holiday season.

“I was floored by the outpouring of generosity,” Sgt. LeDuc said.

That feeling extended to the business community, with several local establishments helping to make the day a success. Groundswell Café + Bakery baked over 150 cookies to hand out to toy donors; Tom’s Market offered free hot chocolate and coffee as an accompaniment. Michael Cordeiro of M.C. Entertainment provided a festive musical backdrop while Bryan Sanford of Sanford and Son LTD built a sleigh, additionally raffling off a flatscreen TV to those who donated a toy. Last but not least were Steven and Mary Anna Tonn Fisher – aka, Mr. and Mrs. Claus – who kept spirit’s up despite the rain.

“I think that everybody is understanding how hard the year has been,” Sgt. LeDuc said.