GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- The Twin Cities hosts one of the country's most successful Toys for Tots drives each year. This is because of the support from the generous community and the organization of the US Marines.
Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Twin Cities Toys for Tots program.
Where can I make my donation?
The tent at KARE 11 will be open Fri., Nov. 30 - Wed., Dec. 19 from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. daily. KARE 11 is located at 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy. in Golden Valley.
In addition to KARE 11, there are hundreds of drop off locations around the Twin Cities. Search the online list for a location convenient for you.
Donations can also be delivered to the Toys for Tots Warehouse at 2633 Minnehaha Ave. South in Minneapolis. The warehouse is open daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., through December 20th.
What kinds of toys are needed/accepted?
Toys are distributed to kids from 0 - 16. Typically, there is a shortage of toys for infants and teenagers.
Gift cards are accepted, but are not distributed as gifts. The Marines take donated gift cards and purchase gifts for the program.
Typically, the average gifts are in the $30 range. However, toys in all price ranges are accepted.
Where do I sign up to receive toys?
The Marines work with several organizations around the Twin Cities to distribute toys. The list of participating agencies can be found online.
Only toy requests by family members with custodial responsibility are normally approved, other request are considered on a case by case basis. The age limit is 16 years old.
A child may only be registered through one charity organization. Multiple registrations by different family members, at different locations, are not allowed.
How do I sign up to be an official collection site?
Registration to be drop off location for Toys for Tots is now full.
Official drop off locations will be able to pick up posters and collection bins at the Toys for Tots warehouse at 2633 Minnehaha Avenue South in Minneapolis.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
The volunteer shift hours for the warehouse are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Groups of 5 or more can reserve a block of time for their group. Individual volunteers are also welcome. It is requested that the minimum age of volunteers be 14 years old. Everyone will receive a Gratuitous Service Agreement (GSA) form to fill out upon arrival. Volunteers under the age of 18 will need their parents or legal guardian to fill out their GSA form and sign it. If you would like to volunteer, please email Staff Sergeant Michael Rice at toysfortotstwincitiesvolunteer@gmail.com.
How do I get a Marine to attend our Toys for Tots event?
The Marines are grateful for the many events that happen around the Twin Cities to support Toys for Tots and try to support as many of them as possible. In the past, Marines have attended toy drives, Breakfast with Santa, company parties, and more.
If you have a Toys for Tots event that you are interested in having a Marine attend, contact Staff Sergeant Derek Cessor-Culver at toysfortotstwincitiesevents@gmail.com.
Please include all key details (date, time, location, etc.) in your request and include any special instructions or suggestions that might help with the planning process.
A list of local Toys for Tots events can be found online.
More information on the national Toys for Tots program can be found on the official Toys for Tots website.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)