For five days in June, PODS® containers will be placed at Rochester area shopping centers and sporting events and the public is encouraged to stop by and help fill them with donated toys. The toys will then be given out by Rochester Police officers who come in contact with children while on duty.

The goal of Toys on Patrol is to have a positive impact on children who interact with police. When children come in contact with law enforcement, it is usually under very difficult circumstances. Law enforcement professionals report that being able to give a frightened child a toy helps police officers establish a more positive, trusting relationship with the child.

Local children’s entertainer, Gary the Happy Pirate, began the “Pirate Toy Fund” in 2000 to collect toys for children in need. The toys are distributed by a network of program partners that include non-profits, hospitals, schools as well as the Rochester Police Department’s Toys on Patrol program.

“PODS is pleased to support the Pirate Toy Fund and Rochester’s Toys on Patrol program,” said Chad Goodness, general manager of PODS Rochester. “Donating a toy is so simple but it can make a huge difference and help ease the fears of a frightened child.”

Toys on Patrol collection events will take place on the following days, times and locations:

June 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m

Eastview Mall, 7979 Pittsford-Victor Road, Victor

June 4 & 9, beginning at 7 p.m.

Frontier Field, home of the Rochester Red Wings, One Morrie Silver Way, Rochester

June 8 @ 7:30 pm and June 30 @ 7 p.m.

Shalen Stadium, home of the Rochester Rhinos, 460 Oak Street, Rochester

ABOUT PODS

Founded in 1998, PODS currently provides moving and storage services to more than 250 million consumers and businesses, in 48 U.S. states, Canada, Australia and the U.K., through its company-owned and independent franchise network. To date, the PODS network has completed more than 360,000 long-distance relocations, exceeded 1.9 million deliveries and has nearly 144,000 PODS® containers in service.

PODS® secure containers are constructed of a steel frame and are available in three sizes: approximately 7-by-7-by-8 feet, 12-by-8-by-8 feet and 16-by-8-by-8 feet. The 12-foot and 16-foot containers have been tested to withstand winds of more than 110- mph when partially loaded. Newer PODS® containers have the same steel frame construction but are completely recyclable panels made of steel skins and a high-density polyethylene core. For more information or to schedule service, visit PODS.com or call 800-776-7637.