URGENT: Twin Cities toy shortage
UPDATE: As of Dec. 17, our gracious donors have reduced the number of toys needed from 6,000 toys to 2,700 toys. More toys are needed, especially for kids ages 0-2.
The Twin Cities Salvation Army is low on toy donations. Without immediate help, many children might not receive a present on Christmas morning.
As of Dec. 17 we need enough toys to serve about 17,000 children this Christmas season, but current inventory levels can accommodate only 15,200 children. This shortfall must be filled before our Twin Cities toy distributions (pictured right) begin on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Donate now.
“We are kindly asking our supporters to stop at one of our several toy donation centers with a gift for a child who may otherwise receive nothing this Christmas,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division.
A total of about 2,700 more toys are needed to serve about 1,800 kids who are in danger of not receiving a toy. Parents who receive toys for their children can choose one toy for each child if it costs more than $15, or choose two toys valued at $5 to $10. Therefore, more toys are needed than the number of anticipated recipients.
Listed below are the age categories for which The Salvation Army is most in need of toys:
- 0-2: Need toys for 800 children (1,200 toys)
- Boys 6-9: Need toys for 700 children (1,050 toys)
- Boys 10-14: Need toys for 300 children (450 toys)
Current inventory levels are adequate for all other age categories.
How to give
You can help the Twin Cities Salvation Army provide toys for children in need by giving in any of the following ways:
- Donate online. The Salvation Army will use your gift to buy toys.
- Drop off new, unwrapped toys at Salvation Army headquarters, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville. A secured receptacle is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Buy toys online and have them shipped to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113.
Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the following businesses:
- Menards in Apple Valley, 14960 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124
- Menards in Burnsville, 2700 Hwy 13 W., Burnsville, MN 55337
Drop off new, unwrapped toys during weekday business hours at the following Salvation Army locations:
- Brooklyn Park Salvation Army, 10011 Noble Parkway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
- Maplewood Salvation Army, 2080 Woodlynn Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109
- Minneapolis Central Worship and Service Center, 2727 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
- Minneapolis Parkview Worship and Service Center, 2024 Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411
- Minneapolis Temple Worship and Service Center, 1604 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- St. Paul Eastside Worship and Service Center, 1019 Payne Ave, St. Paul, MN 55130
- St. Paul Citadel Worship and Service Center, 401 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Thousands of hardworking families are battling poverty in Minnesota and North Dakota. You can help them win by making a donation or becoming a bell ringer. Join The Salvation Army this Christmas season and #FightForGood.