MANSFIELD, P.A. (WENY) -- Some families may need extra help during the holiday season, and this year, the Tioga County (PA) Sheriff's Office aims to give back with the First Annual Stuff-A-Cruiser.

On Saturday afternoon, Tioga County (PA) Sheriff Frank Levindoski sat with a few officers and two cruisers outside Walmart in Mansfield. From 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., they collected non-perishable food items, clothing, toys, personal hygiene items, pet food, and more.

Several people came to drop off items they had already purchase and others went into the store for their normal shopping trips and exited with a donation to hand off to officers.

Sheriff Levindoski says the idea for the first Stuff-A-Cruiser came about when he and his colleagues noticed a dire need among some community members during the holiday season.

"Well, you know, with the seasons and the things that we know, people are hurting, people are in dire need, especially here we were," said Sheriff Levindoski. "We suffered from a flood this year in Tioga County, so it's just our way of of giving back."

The Sheriff also says the turnout for this event was good considering it is the first of its kind for their agency.

"We're going to definitely continue this event," said Sheriff Levindoski. "It's been good so far. The people have been great. They've been very generous, very supportive and just very kind overall."

While the Stuff-A-Cruiser event has come to an end for this year, the Sheriff and his team are still encouraging people to give back if they are willing and able to do so.

The Sheriff's Office is currently raising money for their Shop with a Sheriff event that will happen on December 11. The program allows kids to partner with members of the Sheriff's team to go shopping and pick out their own Christmas gifts.

Those who are interested in helping a family in need are encouraged to call the Tioga County (PA) Sheriff's Office at 570-724-3491 to see how you can help.