Caring Causes: Salvation Army (MN) Behind on Toy Donations

The Salvation Army is running low on toy donations in the Twin Cities, and is asking the public to help make Christmas brighter for thousands of kids.

The Salvation Army needs enough toys to serve about 17,000 children this Christmas season, but current inventory levels can accommodate only 13,000 children. This shortfall must be filled before our Twin Cities toy distributions begin on Wednesday, Dec. 18. 

“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.

Listed below are the age categories for which The Salvation Army is most in need of toys:

• 0-2: Need toys for 1,360 children
• 6-9: Need toys for 1,132 children
• 10-14: Need toys for 1,610 children

Current inventory levels are adequate for children ages 3 to 5.

Parents who receive toys 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.

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 The Salvation Army’s 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 during weekday business hours at the following Twin Cities Salvation Army locations:

• Minneapolis Temple Worship and Service Center, 1604 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
• Minneapolis Parkview Worship and Service Center, 2024 Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411
• Noble Worship and Service Center, 10011 Noble Parkway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
• 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
• Lakewood Worship and Service Center, 2080 Woodlynn Ave, St. Paul, MN 55109
• Minneapolis Central Worship and Service Center, 2727 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the following businesses:

• Menards in Burnsville, 2700 Hwy 13 W., Burnsville, MN 55337
• Menards in Apple Valley, 14960 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124
• Seaquest in Rosedale, 1595 Highway 36 West, Suite 578, Roseville, MN 55113
• Livea Weight Control Centers (formerly Medifast)
  • 14800 Galaxie Ave. Suite 302, Apple Valley, MN 55124
  • 3495 Northdale Blvd. NW Suite 100, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
  • 3601 Minnesota Dr. Suite 140, Bloomington, MN 55435
  • 13911 Ridgedale Dr. Suite 115, Minnetonka, MN
  • 1639 W County Road C, Roseville, MN 55113
  • 1920 Donegal Dr. Suite 200, Woodbury, MN 55125

Thousands of hardworking families are battling poverty in Minnesota and North Dakota. You can help them win by donating $25 a month or becoming a bell ringer. Join The Salvation Army this Christmas season and #FightForGood.