JD Berns, sales assistant at Mills Honda, Brainerd/Baxter, shows toys at the dealership for the Brainerd Lakes Area the “Toys for Kids” program sponsored by the Heartland Detachment of the Marine Corps League. New, unwrapped toys can be left at Mills Honda through Dec. 15.
Christmas will be a little brighter for many children and families in the Brainerd Lakes Area through the “Toys for Kids” program sponsored by the Heartland Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
The kickoff event is Friday, Nov. 25 in the parking lot of the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce and Ace Hardware in West Brainerd. Donations will be received 8 AM to 4 PM by the Heartland Detachment.
And Mills Automotive will again help make it happen.
You can drop off new, unwrapped toys through Thursday, Dec. 15 at Mills Ford, Mills GM and Mills Honda in Brainerd/Baxter. Each dealership will have a special toy collection display. The Mills locations are among about 50 in the Brainerd area. Toy distribution is Dec. 15 at the Brainerd Armory.
Last year the economic impact of the area was about $40,000.
Steve Amerud is in his sixth year as chairman/coordinator of the campaign for the Heartland Detachment, which has sponsored the program since 1983. Heartland has members in the immediate Brainerd area, plus McGregor, Aitkin and Pine River.
Last year’s drive collected toys for about 1,100 children (infant to age 15) in 480 families.
$75 or less is the suggested cost range for donated toys. The campaign received about $25,000 in donations last year for Heartland Detachment to buy additional toys beyond those donated.
“We have been very successful thanks to the many people, businesses, and organizations who have donated toys or money,”Amerud said. “It’s come a long way since we started in a garage.”
While the Heartland Detachment handles the toys, the Salvation Army in Brainerd collects and distributes donated food and clothing for needy families. “Our goal is to have an outfit for every child in need,” said Lt. Jacelyn Holloway, Salvation Army coordinator.
