NORTH MANKATO — Don’t forget the teens.
Kristen Walters, development and communications director for the Committee Against Domestic Abuse in Mankato, said sometimes those who are shopping for the upcoming Great Mankato Toy Drive might overlook teenagers who are in need of Christmas presents.
“Something that is tough for us to come by is not necessarily toys, but activities for older kids,” she said. “So art supplies, journals or other things teenagers want. That could be anything from headphones to water bottles. Those are a little tough to come by.”
The Saturday Toy Drive takes place at the NaKato Bar & Grill in North Mankato, with drop-offs welcome from 8 a.m. to midnight. Now in its 11th year, the Toy Drive typically collects hundreds of donations that are distributed to in-need families for Christmas.
Organizers request unwrapped gifts. They will be wrapped later at CADA.
“I’ve been a part of the gift drop-off and some clients come and pick up their gifts,” Walters said. “We’ve seen a lot of happy tears. Honestly, the people we’re working with are focusing on staying safe and maybe have left their home with nothing but the clothes on their back.
“So putting gifts under a tree isn’t a reality. It can’t happen. This way they can still provide some semblance of normalcy and give their kids a happy Christmas when things aren’t super holly jolly.”
All toys and funds collected (cash also accepted) go to CADA and the Child and Family Advocacy Center of South Central Minnesota. Both organizations help families and children in crisis, and both offer help to such families during the holidays.
Tatum Roberts, co-organizer of the 11th annual Great Mankato Toy Drive, said she is thankful to the community for its unwavering support throughout the fundraiser’s history.
“It’s what the holidays are all about,” she said. “The holidays are such a beautiful opportunity for us to check in with our community about what their needs are and for those of us who have what we need to step up and provide some joy for families who might not otherwise have that.”
Live music will start at 9 p.m. Saturday, with Minneapolis bands Self-Evident, Short Timer and Forbidden Seas playing, said Jake Downs, Toy Drive co-organizer and NaKato Bar & Grill co-owner.
Downs said the Toy Drive fundraiser is a highlight of his year.
“I’ve always done whatever I could do to make it successful,” he said. “It’s just a good thing for the community. It’s become a big community event. It’s a good cause and a good time.”
Downs said the bar’s pool table is stacked with donations each year.
“It’s pretty amazing to see how many toys are going back into the community,” he said.
“It’s a really good opportunity to have a little bit of fun and enjoy some free live music,” Roberts said of the Toy Drive. “You can come and celebrate the holidays, see friends and other community members. There’s a lot of employees from CADA who are serving the community through their work and we should let them know we appreciate what they do as well.”