MINNEAPOLIS — What if you could gift wonder for a day, free from responsibilities and tough circumstances? That's the goal of Be The Change MN, an organization aiming to bring kids, families and communities together.
John Baker, the founder of Be The Change MN is from north Minneapolis. Baker’s hope for Be The Change MN is to connect the community, sponsors and families through curated experiences that foster joy, authentic connections and opportunities.
"I just know there's a need there to help kids," Baker emphasized.
With the help of Mall of America, The Minneapolis Foundation and the Pohlad Foundation, Be The Change took over Nickelodeon Universe and provided a free day at their Winter Wonderland.
More than 800 students from Bethune Arts, Hall STEM, and Nellie Stone Johnson, pre-K through 5th grade, and families from north Minneapolis enjoyed unlimited music, dancing, food and games.
Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School Principal Kelly Wright said it is key to provide students and their families with experiences like Winter Wonderland. "Often, we don't hear about the good things that happen in north Minneapolis and at our schools," Wright said.
Toys For Tots Twin Cities donated hundreds of toys to help students have a happier holiday.
"These Marines are incredible. I mean, the time they dedicated. It's just I just can't thank them enough. They came in and they brought over 800 toys to these kids, you know, and they got a chance to see the Marines in action really helping and supporting the community,” Baker said.
Student Ambassadors from area private schools helped plan the Winter Wonderland.
“These kids have been amazing. I mean, they've done clothing drives, they've organized volunteers. They've talked in front of their student body about how important it is to volunteer and to work with underserved youth,” Baker said.”They got a chance to really see north Minneapolis…that these kids are the same as you and they'd love the same things.”
Kristian Baker, a Be The Change Junior ambassador, said working beside his classmates to give back is teaching him life lessons.
"Leading with Be The Change has been really nice because I get to lead younger kids, but also my peers,” Kristian said. “Getting a new toy and feeling the rush when you get something that you really wanted is just so amazing. So giving that feeling to these kids is just so important to me.”
Principal Wright said efforts like Winter Wonderland are a reminder of how important creating a village of support is. "Our scholars will never forget Winter Wonderland," she beamed.
John Baker emphasized the positive impact such events have in dispelling misconceptions about North Minneapolis. "No one ever really talks about the good things," he said, highlighting the appreciation the kids showed for the event.
If you're interested in donating, you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at KARE 11's studios through Dec. 13.
KARE 11 is located at the corner of Olson Memorial Highway and General Mills Boulevard in Golden Valley.
The tent is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
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