The Salvation Army is well-known for partnering with churches and other organizations to collect gifts and toys to distribute to families in need during the Christmas season. And for the third straight year, there is one church focusing on collecting African-American and Hispanic-American dolls and other toys, to give families in need an opportunity to receive toys more relatable to their children.
The Greater Mount Vernon Church of north Minneapolis is once again collecting culturally appropriate dolls and toys to donate to The Salvation Army’s Toy Shop distribution in December. So far this year, they’ve collected approximately 500 gifts, and is hoping to exceed last year’s collection total of 1,000, according to Jill Petty, a church member who is leading the effort.
“We started this toy drive in 2021 after a discussion that having an accurate representation of how little ones see the world is key in raising children, even in regard to their toys,” said Petty, who works as a human resources professional for a local government agency. “We thought one way to do that was with culturally appropriate toys, and we felt we could be successful with it.”
“This is an opportunity to help children learn to be open-minded, have an awareness of the society we live in, and be accepting of differences in our daily lives,” said Pastor John L. Bowen Sr. “We wanted to help address the fact that there is often a shortage of culturally appropriate toys when helping those in need at Christmas.”
According to The Salvation Army, more toys are needed. Even though the registration period for families to sign up for their toy distribution has passed, they expect to distribute gifts to 13,500 children this holiday season, and are still in need of donated toys.
Individuals, churches or other organizations interested in helping the Greater Mount Vernon Church with its toy drive can do so by dropping off new, unwrapped toys at 1800 N. Dupont Avenue in Minneapolis, now until December 10. Hours are 9am-1pm and 6-8pm Wednesday, 9am-1pm Thursday, 6-8pm Friday, 10am-1:30pm Saturday, and 12:30 to 2pm Sunday. Their phone number is 612-522-6052.
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The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 290,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, new struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.
By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 77 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.
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