Cram the Cruiser

Cram the Cruiser

By Terry Clark

For The Ashland Beacon

Get ready, Boyd County—Cram the Cruiser is back and bigger than ever!

This heartwarming event was first sparked in 2018 by Tracy Kelley, then Boyd County Circuit Court Clerk. Though Tracy retired last year, her idea continues to make a powerful impact. She called me just before school started that year with a simple but brilliant suggestion: let’s help local students by collecting school supplies in a fun, visible way. At the time, I was the D.A.R.E. instructor at Catlettsburg Elementary School, and I knew it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.

With the incredible support of Bobbie Jo Cornwell, manager of Catlettsburg McDonald’s, and Jennie Caperton-Caine, Catlettsburg Family Resource Officer, we launched the first event right in the parking lot of Catlettsburg McDonald’s. As always, it took place on a Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to noon—and yes, we really did “Cram the Cruiser” with a mountain of school supplies!

Though some people missed the announcements on the City of Catlettsburg’s Facebook page or the McDonald’s marquee, many still found their way to us. Some donated cash, while others made quick trips to the store and returned with supplies in hand. One generous gentleman visiting from South Carolina handed me $100. I told him he didn’t need to give that much since he wasn’t from the area. His response? “No—the kids are worth it, no matter where you are.”

Like many things, we had to hit pause in 2020 due to COVID and the shift to virtual learning. But we came back strong in 2023 and again in 2024—and the momentum is only growing.

This year, the Catlettsburg Police Department will once again be hosting Cram the Cruiser will be held at the Catlettsburg McDonald’s. I’ll be stationed at the McDonald’s on US 60 near Route 180, and other Boyd County School Resource Officers will be set up at the McDonald’s locations closest to their respective schools.

So come on out on August 16, 2025 and say hello, and help us make sure every student in Boyd County starts the school year with the supplies they need. Let’s cram those cruisers!