LEXINGTON, Ky. — Police from the University of Kentucky accompanied Santa Claus on a toy delivery to the Kentucky children’s hospital. 

The toy drive was a part of the annual collection in honor of a Lexington veteran who served in Iraq.

What You Need To Know

  • UKPD delivered toys with Santa on Friday

  • The toys were a part of the Cram the Cruiser annual toy drive

  • The toy drive was in honor of Jordan Ard

  • Jordan Ard was an Iraq Veteran who died of cancer  

Santa Claus came to town inside a police cruiser this weekend—one full of gifts for children at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington.

It’s a tradition, 8-year-old Presley Ard says is close to her heart. 

“We’re doing the toy drive in honor of my uncle. He loves to give toys to little children,” Ard said.

Presley’s uncle, Jonathan Ard, was a Lexington native who served in the Army Special Forces. After being exposed to toxic burn pits and depleted uranium in his tours to Iraq, Jonathan was diagnosed with cancer.

This year, collecting toys became a partnership between the University of Kentucky Police Department and Presley’s 3rd grade class. 

“This year he talked to my mom, and they sent out little posters to our class,” Ard said.

And cruiser after cruiser, UK Police filled multiple carts full of donated toys. A view, Presley says, was a joy to see.

“I’m very happy that so many people came this year. And there are so many toys here to donate to these children,” Ard said.

Toys for boys and girls, and all different ages. A tradition the hard family hopes will continue throughout the years. Jonathan had passed away on December 14th in 2016 after battling leukemia.