Ashland’s ‘Cram the Cruiser’ Breaks Record by a Whisker, Proving Community Generosity Still Runs Deep
ASHLAND — When the last can was packed and the cruiser doors finally shut, Ashland County had done it again — beating last year’s all-time “Cram the Cruiser” record by just 2½ pounds.
The 2025 drive, hosted by the Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol at Walmart on East Main Street, brought in 4,202 pounds of food for Associated Charities — barely edging out 2024’s total of 4,200 pounds. Cash donations, however, came in lighter this year at $645, down from $1,362.87 last year.
Still, the victory wasn’t about numbers. It was about heart.
“Not on our shift.”
As the scale first read 4,180 pounds, troopers exchanged doubtful looks. Then came the moment of determination that defines Ashland’s community spirit.
“They thought, ‘No way — not on my shift,’” laughed Sgt. Daniel Kumor, Assistant Post Commander. “So they ran back into Walmart, hoping to grab just enough to push it over the top. Sure enough, that extra run did it — 4,202 pounds.”
Kumor said the outpouring of generosity never ceases to amaze him.
“None of this would have happened without the great people of Ashland County,” he said. “They are so generous every year, and we are so grateful. Especially with the holidays coming up, all this food will go right back out to local families in need.”
He recalled seeing residents push entire shopping carts full of food toward the cruiser.
“More than a handful of people did that,” he said. “They just rolled up, smiled, and said, ‘Here you go, take it all.’ It’s unbelievable.”
A Community Helping Community
Associated Charities Executive Director Christine Box said the event’s timing couldn’t be better.
“The Cram the Cruiser event hosted by Ashland Patrol Post 03 has once again brought amazing results,” Box said. “Year after year, our community supports this event tremendously, and this year is no different. We are community helping community, and we are so grateful to those who support our mission of caring. The words ‘thank you’ are not enough when it comes to a donation of this size.”
Box said the need for food assistance in Ashland County is at an all-time high. The hundreds of boxes and cans collected will refill depleted shelves at a crucial time as the holidays approach.
Tradition, Teamwork, and Thanks
The 2025 drive also included help from Ashland University’s Criminal Justice students, who passed out flyers and helped load the van, and retired troopers who brought their vintage patrol cars from the Cleveland Police Museum — a nostalgic favorite for families who stopped to donate.
“It was a smooth operation,” said Kumor. “We had great weather, great help, and even better community spirit. Hats off to Ashland County — you did it again.”
A Holiday Message of Hope
As Box summed it up, “We are sincerely blessed with the friendship and hard work of Sgt. Kumor and the troopers from the Ashland Patrol Post. Their dedication, and the generosity of our neighbors, remind us what community truly means.”
Once again, Ashland County proved that when the call goes out to help — this community answers loud and clear, one can and one kind heart at a time.
