Ho, Ho, Hope has arrived: Toy Shops serving 13,500 kids this week
Right now, your donations to The Salvation Army are providing toys for children and hope for families all over the Twin Cities.
The Salvation Army this week kicked off our local Toy Shop distributions (see photos), where 5,000 preregistered families are picking from 30,000 donated toys for more than 13,500 children.
The toys are a blessing for people like Kat and Brittany – sisters who came to the Toy Shop distribution in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Both have been in the fight of their lives ever since their father died in 2022 and their mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
Kat and Brittany each have three kids, and raising them has not been easy amid all of their family’s turmoil.
“It can be hard for people to understand the responsibilities that people like us have,” said Kat (pictured), who has been caring for her mother during her cancer battle. “They have no idea what some people are carrying.”
Added Brittany: “We’re single moms, paying bills. But just because we’re in poverty doesn’t mean our kids should have to struggle this Christmas.”
Thanks to your donations, their kids won’t have to. Both Kat and Brittany were able to fill big bags full of toys for their children, ensuring a Merry Christmas for all.
“It’s a tremendous help,” Kat said. “With the price of toys nowadays, we barely could have gotten anything for our kids. Now they can feel special on Christmas morning. The Salvation Army’s programs are awesome. Just amazing.”
This year’s Toy Shops are being held at three of our partner locations: Prince of Peace Church in Burnsville, Redeeming Love Church in Maplewood, and Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis.
All three Toy Shops are made possible by more than 800 kindhearted volunteers who are busy with sorting and stocking, wrapping presents, and helping families pick out toys.
Many local businesses have contributed as well, including 25 employees from Excelsior-based agricultural company International Feed. The team spent hours volunteering at the Toy Shop in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
“It’s nice for us to be able to come out here, serve the community, and help people who maybe aren’t quite as fortunate,” said company owner Bernie Kaiser, a longtime Salvation Army supporter.
Many of the donated toys were given through KSTP’s Stuff the Sleigh drive, which included toy drop-off locations at our metro area partners: HOM Furniture, Blaze Credit Union, Warners’ Stellian, Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Rusco, and Xfinity Stores by Comcast.
The Salvation Army thanks all of our donors, volunteers, and partners for supporting this year’s Toy Shops.
“Because of their generosity, thousands of children will wake up happy on Christmas morning,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “May God bless you all for caring enough to help these families feel loved.”
This Christmas season, you can Be the Light in somebody’s life by providing food, shelter and care for people in need. Join us today by giving a donation, signing up to volunteer, or ringing bells at a Red Kettle.