by Dennis Dalman
Just before the Newsleader deadline for this week, it was learned that the deadline for registering for Toys for Tots has been extended through Friday, Dec. 9.
Adults who want to register their children for free toys should – as soon as possible – go to the Toys for Tots website to register or visit Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. The website is ccstcloudorg/toysfortots. The address of the Catholic Charities facility is 157 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud.
Founded in 1947, Toys for Tots for children in the greater St. Cloud area is organized by Catholic Charities Emergency Services in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots.
Residents are encouraged to bring gifts (unwrapped, please) and monetary donations as soon as possible in the coming days – at least by Monday, Dec. 12 because the three distribution dates for the gifts begins Dec. 13.
Toys and other items, including gift cards, can be dropped off in big boxes at businesses throughout central Minnesota. In addition, Catholic Charities is accepting donations from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12. Catholic Charities is located at 157 Roosevelt Road in St. Cloud. Those who bring donations should bring them to Door D, located at the back of the building. They should not be left outside of that door.
Gifts are distributed to children ages 6 months to 14 years whose parents, guardians or another adult have registered with Catholic Charities Emergency Services. Toys for Tots is available for children who live in St. Joseph, Sartell, St. Cloud, Waite Park, Sauk Rapids, St. Augusta, Rice, Kimball, Eden Valley, Royalton and Watkins. Donate online on that site. In 2021 there were 12,670 toys distributed, and 1,993 children were provided with toys in those cities.
People in St. Joseph should visit the Toys for Tots website to find out where the nearest drop-off boxes are located. There are nearly 50 of those boxes set up throughout the area.
The Toys for Tots website is ccstcloud.org/toysfortots. People can also donate monetarily on that website.
This is the official logo for Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots that can be seen on drop-boxes for toys at nearly 50 businesses and other locations in area cities.
