BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is once again collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need as part of its annual “Boatload of Toys” holiday drive. Donations will be accepted at seven Walmart retail locations across the state and online through an Amazon gift registry. The drive is part of the national U.S. Marines Toys for Tots initiative. NRP’s volunteer Reserve Officer program and staff will collect the toys at drop-off locations listed below.

“The Natural Resources Police is excited to make an impact with the local community this holiday season,” NRP Superintendent Orlando Lilly said. “Between gathering toys in locations around Maryland, collecting monetary donations, and interfacing with those we serve, we value this effort highly. This time of the year can be difficult for certain families and it’s important they feel the holiday love from us.”

In 2023, NRP collected 1,353 toys and raised $557 in donations.

NRP’s Boatload of Toys staff will accept donations at the following locations this year:

Noon – 4 p.m. each day

• Dec. 1: Pasadena Walmart, 8107 Gov. Ritchie Highway
• Dec. 7: Denton Walmart, 610 Legion Road
• Dec. 7: Hagerstown Walmart, 17850 Garland Groh Blvd.
• Dec. 8: LaVale Walmart, 12500 Country Club Mall Road
• Dec. 8: Berlin Walmart, 11416 Ocean Gateway
• Dec. 8: Cockeysville Walmart, 1 Frankel Way
• Dec. 14: Sykesville Walmart, 6400A Ridge Road

The NRP online gift registry is also back this year. Marylanders can donate a toy online via its Amazon Toys for Tots Registry. To donate, select the “NRP Safety Education Unit” gift registry address in your Amazon cart. This list will be updated as locations are added.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.