‘Prison Toy Lift’ provides toys for children with incarcerated mother
Today, dozens of Salvation Army volunteers are wrapping toys for nearly 500 children whose mother is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Waseca, Minn. The Christmas presents will be sent to the children with a handwritten note from their mom, with no indication the gift came from The Salvation Army.
It’s all part of The Salvation Army’s Prison Toy Lift program, which for more than 30 years has been helping kids and their parents stay connected during a difficult time of year.
“Many of these parents don’t have regular contact with their children – they can’t hug them like other parents can,” said Charles Berry, director of The Salvation Army’s Correctional Services Department in Minnesota and North Dakota. “This program allows them to still have involvement with their kids in a meaningful way.”
The families are grateful for this program, as illustrated in 49 thank you notes The Salvation Army recently received from mothers in the Waseca prison. One mother wrote: Thank you! Words can’t describe what this means to me! Nothing but happy tears. God bless you, 10 fold.
Volunteers for this year’s Prison Toy Lift include groups from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and retirees from Land O’Lakes and Xcel Energy. All of these volunteers are thrilled to support this program.
"It’s so important for the children to get gifts for Christmas – especially when their parents are incarcerated,” said volunteer Nancy Tomhaze, 84, a retired Xcel employee who has wrapped gifts for Prison Toy Lift for 15 years.
Nancy (pictured, right) wrapped gifts alongside fellow Xcel retiree Dee Johnson (left), who will celebrate her 91st birthday this week.
“I love doing this – it makes me feel good,” Dee said. “The Salvation Army is wonderful.”
The Salvation Army is thankful for all the donors and volunteers who support Prison Toy Lift.
“Because of their generosity, nearly 500 kids will have a happier Christmas this year – receiving a gift they might not otherwise have been expecting,” Berry said.
For those wishing to make a difference in a child’s life this Christmas, consider donating a new, unwrapped toy at The Salvation Army office at 2445 Prior Ave. N. in Roseville – or at any Twin Cities Salvation Army service center (see drop-off locations) – during regular business hours. You can also donate money online or shop for toys online via The Salvation Army's Angel Tree partnership, which allows donors to purchase toys that Walmart will ship directly to your local Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army will distribute toys in December at our local Toy Shops, which are expected to serve more than 16,000 children.
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.