Toys for Tots is starting the 2023 Toys for Tots Program Campaign November 1st for District 7 (Monticello, Big Lake, Becker, Clearwater and Clear Lake). 

Toys for Tots is a charity program, which provides less fortunate children with toys for Christmas.  The foundation was established in 1947 and today is run by U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. 

Toy and money donations have been going down over the past few years, while the request for assistance has gone up.  The organization is in need of more money and toy donations this year to ensure they are able to have toys for all the less fortunate children in the communities they serve this Christmas.  

 If one would like to donate toys, the organization has several toy drop sites as follows:

Big Lake: Anytime Fitness, Big Lake City Hall, Big Lake Library, Coborns, Great River Federal Credit Union, Hometown Eyecare, Lake Café, Lake Dental, Minnco, Old National Bank, Riverwood Bank, 3 Sons Hardware, Willy’s on the Water.

Monticello: American Legion Post #260, Centracare of Monticello, Cub Foods, Culvers of Monticello, Dojo Karate, Fleet Farm, Monticello City Hall/Community Center, Monticello Library, Monticello Rotary/Best Western, Moon Motors, NAPA, Papa Johns, Pizza Ranch, Polaris Chiropractic, Runnings, Ryan Auto Mall, Wal-Mart Super Center.

Becker: Amy Chmielewski Agency Inc. American Family Insurance, Becker Chamber, Becker Community Center, Becker Pebble Creek Golf, Bill’s Family Foods, Sherburne State Bank.

Clear Lake & Clearwater: American Legion 323, Brickyard Bar & Grill, Clearwater Corners, Flinstones Lounge, Nelson Brothers Restaurant & Bakery, Riverside Nutrition.

If one would like to donate money, one can donate online at                                               http://monticello-mn.toysfortots.org  or mail a check or money order to Community Toys for Tots, PO Box 1226, Monticello, MN  55362.

If one would like to request a toy donation box for one’s business, email communitytoysfortots@gmail.com.  Volunteers will drop the donation box off to one’s business and will pick up the toys ongoing throughout the campaign.  Volunteers will also pick up the box at the end of the campaign.

Toys for Tots is in need of volunteers.  If one would like to volunteer, sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44ACAB22AAFAC52-44475872-marine.

If one is in need for toys for one’s children, persons can apply online at https://forms.office.com/r/wuSPdvE14A or pick up an application at one’s local city hall or food shelf.

If one has any questions, one can email communitytoysfortots@gmail.com or call Connie Holker at 763/354-0068 .

Toys for Tots is hoping persons are able to participate in the Toys for Tots Program by toy donation, toy donation box, money donation and/or volunteering.  They want to thank those people and businesses that are already participating in this important program.