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Heartwarming Legacy of Toys for Tots
The program has been spreading generosity for 76 Years.
MINNEAPOLIS — For more than seven decades, Toys for Tots has been an emblem of generosity, impacting countless children nationwide and fostering joy in the Twin Cities.
Toys for Tots’ journey began with Major Bill Hendricks, a reserved Marine, and his wife Diane, whose compassionate question sparked a generational gift that’s been fueled by Diane’s desire to give back to children in need.
“He went out, he grabbed a few of his Marines and he decided to collect toys to give back to the community. His wife was actually the first one to create and make toys given back, so they were handmade toys, which was even more better — it was more genuine,” Toys for Tots Twin Cities Coordinator Staff Sgt. Tyree Stevens said.
What started as distributing 5,000 toys in Los Angeles, blossomed into delivering 652 million toys to 291 million deserving children across the country.
Layers of interesting facts are wrapped in the history of Toys for Tots, like the logo, crafted by none other than Walt Disney.
“Bill Hendricks was friends with Walt Disney and he asked him to come up with that so that trademark logo came from him,” Stevens said.
Starting in 1949, Toys for Tots received support from celebrities and multiple First Ladies, propelling its reach far beyond American borders. In 1995, it gained official recognition as an activity of the U.S. Marine Corps, solidifying its commitment to communities nationwide.
“It’s absolutely amazing that the families come here to go grab those toys so we can see that we can remind ourselves every year why we do this,” Stevens said.
Now a global initiative, the legacy of Toys for Tots continues to bring hope and joy to those who need it most.
If you’re interested in making a donation, you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at KARE 11’s studios through Dec. 13.
KARE 11 is located at the corner of Olson Memorial Highway and General Mills Boulevard in Golden Valley.
The tent is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
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Police are investigating after three men were shot early on Saturday morning.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are investigating after three men were shot in the Ventura Village neighborhood early Saturday morning.
According to Minneapolis police, officers were called to the area around East 21st Street and South 15th Avenue around 5 a.m. Saturday.
Officers found three men had been shot. One of the men died and the two others were taken to the hospital with what police described as life-threatening injuries.
Officials said the shooting happened at a small homeless encampment.
Police have not announced any arrests as of Saturday morning.
KARE 11 will update this story as more information is made available.
This Halloween the chocolate shop is getting very festive.
MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, Minn. — A small sweet shop in a Minnesota river town has won some BIG awards for its chocolates.
St. Croix Chocolate Company in Marine on St. Croix has won national and international awards including Best of Show in this year’s America’s Division of the International Chocolate Awards.
Their chocolates are available at the St. Croix Chocolate Company kitchen or online.
This Halloween they are selling a Halloween Countdown Calendar that features 14 prize-winning recipes made into ghosts, bats, skulls and other spooky configurations. They also have a Boo Bag-handled tote that comes with their “best of” Halloween assortment.
Owner and Chocolatier, Robyn Dochterman, joined KARE 11 Saturday to share what St. Croix Chocolate Company has to offer.
MINNEAPOLIS — Making pasta at home is relatively simple, as long as you have the right tools.
October is National Pasta Month and Red Rabbit‘s Corporate Chef, Adam Lerner, joined KARE 11 Saturday to show us how to make homemade noodles in the confines of your own kitchen.
