RUTLAND, Mass. - Rutland Police Sergeant Troy Chauvin collects retired military vehicles. The one in front of the town's police station, he's putting to good use this holiday season.

The vehicle will sit on there for the next few weeks collecting gifts as part of the Toys For Tots program.

"Listen, everybody knows someone, every holiday season, there are some families around that don't have toys or can't afford toys," Chauvin said.

Chauvin is working in conjunction with the Marine Corps Reserve. This will be their first year having the vehicle out in front of the station. It first made its appearance on the town's main road around Halloween.

Anyone can walk up and make a donation by throwing a gift in the back.

"So what we're looking for is toys of all ages of children," Chauvin said. "It doesn't matter. Board games, Lego sets, whatever someone can afford would be wonderful."

2024 was a record breaking year for Toys For Tots as they say they distributed more than 30 million toys to nearly 13 million children in need.

Just barely halfway through November, Chauvin says the response from the community has been beyond encouraging, with many already throwing a donation in the back.

"It's a nice feeling to give back," he said. "And by doing this, we can kind of give back to the community, and it allows other people, you know residents, to they can do something to help their fellow man."

The truck will be out collecting those gifts through December 12th before Chauvin brings them to be dropped off ahead of Christmas.