MIDDLEBORO — A rescue farm in Middleboro stepped up Sunday, Dec. 18 to rescue the holidays for children in need.

The Forever Farm, which provides foster homes for donkeys before they can find a permanent location, hosted a holiday event in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police and Toys for Tots. Visitors filled a cruiser with unwrapped toys, enjoyed snacks and hot chocolate and interacted with the farm’s animals, including goats, pigs, chickens, horses and of course donkeys.

The event was inspired by a drive that farm owner Nichole Botelho took that brought her past the Middleboro State Police Barracks on West Grove Street.

She saw a sign that the barracks was seeking Toys for Tots donations outside the barracks and was inspired to use the farm as a location for a donation event. “We planned the whole thing in five minutes,’’ she said.

State Trooper Shawn Solomon brought along a State Police cruiser that visitors could fill with toys and books. “We’re all lucky to have what we do,’’ Solomon said. “You have to share and be generous. Especially around the holidays, you want to be there for everyone.’’

Visitors and folks who donated through Amazon filled both the cruiser, Botelho explained, and an additional vehicle,

“It was a beautiful day with a wonderful turnout,’’ Botelho said. 

His daughter, Anna Solomon, 8, enjoyed meeting the farm’s gregarious goats. “They are so friendly,’’ she said.

Her brother Michael Solomon, 11, was also a fan. “I think they’re silly,’’ he said.

The donkeys at the farm vary in size and coloring but they all top Zachary DeMarco’s nice list. He described the animals as “wonderful.’’

Providing a refuge for the animals until they can go to other rescues is the temporary goal of the farm, Botelho explained.

She is working to obtain non-profit status for the farm, which would allow her to provide official sanctuary for the animals. 

“I love donkeys,’’ visitor Nicole Nerino said. “It’s great what she’s doing for the donkeys.’’ 

Botelho hopes the farm will serve as a sanctuary for visitors as well as the animals in residence. “I want our farm to be a place where the community can get together and have a little fun while supporting those in need,’’ she said.