This holiday season, many local organizations are stepping up to support families in need with toy and clothing drives, as well as free meals. Whether you’re donating a toy, dropping off winter clothing, or volunteering at a meal event, there are plenty of ways to give back and make the holidays brighter for those in your community.
Courtesy of Big Rock Creek
Toy/Clothing Drives and Donations
Salvation Army
When: Year-round
Where: Various locations across the Twin Cities
Info: For many Minnesotans, the holidays bring added financial and emotional stress, as millions of parents struggle to afford Christmas presents for their children. The Salvation Army helps spread Christmas cheer through hospital visits, nursing home events, meal deliveries, bell ringing, gifting programs, and donations of clothing and toys.
The Toy Shelf Inc.
When: Year-round (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
Where: 2266 Second St. N., North St. Paul
Info: The Toy Shelf offers free toys year-round to families in need. They accept donations of new and gently used toys, especially for kids ages 12 to 15, as well as cash and check donations, all of which are tax-deductible.
Toys for Tots Twin Cities
When: Through early December
Where: Various locations across the Twin Cities (warehouse is at Mall of America)
Info: Donating to Toys for Tots during the holidays helps bring joy to children in need by providing them with new toys and gifts. Drop-off sites are located across the Twin Cities.
Courtesy of Toys for Tots
Winter Clothing Drive
When: Through Dec. 20
Where: Various locations in Woodbury
Info: The Woodbury Community Foundation is collecting new and gently used winter clothing for local students in need, including coats and snow pants in various youth and adult sizes, through Dec. 20. Donations can be dropped off at designated locations or made online to help purchase needed items.
Twin Cities Toy Drive
When: Through Christmas
Where: Various locations across the Twin Cities
Info: At Twin Cities Toy Drive, every donation—whether financial or a toy—helps bring holiday joy to BIPOC children and families across the region, making a meaningful difference in their lives. Donating a new, unwrapped toy is a simple way to bring joy to a child this holiday season. Toys are needed for all ages, from infants to teens.
Courtesy of Twin Cities Toy Drive
4th Annual Miracle at Big Rock
When: Nov. 29–Jan. 4.
Where: Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Info: The 4th annual event at Big Rock Creek in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, runs from Black Friday, Nov. 29 through Saturday, Jan. 4, featuring special drives on Dec. 2 for a toy drive (one free admission per toy) and on Dec. 8 for a coat and snowpants drive.
Free Meals
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
When: Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: 810 W. 31st St., Minneapolis
Info: This annual free drive-through giveaway is back, offering turkeys to families on a first-come, first-served basis, with no registration required.
Life Center Thanksgiving Outreach
When: Nov. 23, Noon
Where: 1812 Park Ave., Minneapolis
Info: Life Center’s annual Thanksgiving outreach event provides community members with a hot Thanksgiving meal and over 200 frozen turkeys.
FOCUS Minnesota Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Nov. 24, 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: 550 Rice St., St. Paul
Info: Community members are invited to enjoy a dine-in or takeout Thanksgiving dinner. Volunteers are also needed to help provide turkey, mashed potatoes, salad, rolls, and pie. All are welcome!
Loaves & Fishes Community Meals
When: Nov. 27 (times listed below)
Where: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (to-go meal), 5:30-6:30 p.m., 1390 Larpenteur Ave. E., St. Paul; St. Paul Opportunity Center (to-go meal), 4:30-5:15 p.m., 422 Dorothy Day Place, St. Paul; True Foundation Church (dine-in and to-go meal), 5:30-6:30 p.m., 5840 Lilac Dr. N., Brooklyn Center
Info: Loaves & Fishes will provide a free Thanksgiving meal to those in need, ensuring everyone can enjoy a warm holiday meal, regardless of their circumstances.
Kieran’s Thanksgiving Meal
When: Nov. 28, noon-2 p.m.
Where: 85 N. Sixth St., Minneapolis
Info: Kieran’s Irish Pub is hosting its annual free Thanksgiving meal. No pass or ticket required for entry.
The Local Christmas Meal
When: Dec. 25, noon-2 p.m.
Where: 931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Info: The Local – Minneapolis is offering a free meal on Christmas Day. No pass or ticket required for entry.
