Coon Rapids Launches Annual ‘Season of Giving’ Drive to Support Families, Seniors, and Survivors Across Anoka County

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The City of Coon Rapids has officially launched its annual Season of Giving community collection drive, inviting residents to donate essential goods and monetary contributions to support vulnerable children, families, seniors, and survivors of domestic violence during the holiday season. The drive runs November 24 through December 15, with multiple donation sites open throughout the city.

City officials say the annual initiative is designed to meet sharply rising winter-season needs across the region. Donations collected this year will directly benefit four local nonprofit organizations serving Anoka and Sherburne counties: Alexandra House, ACBC Food Shelf, Toys for Joy, and Granny’s Closet.

Partner Organizations and Community Impact

Alexandra House

Alexandra House is Anoka County’s only comprehensive domestic and sexual violence program, offering a 24-hour emergency shelter, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, safety planning, and support services for victim-survivors and their children. Winter clothing—especially children’s sizes—is critically needed during colder months.

ACBC Food Shelf

Founded in 1971, ACBC Food Shelf provides emergency food, clothing, and household items to residents across Anoka County. Its services include a full-choice food market, community outreach programs, and grocery delivery for home-bound seniors—needs that grow significantly during the holidays.

Toys for Joy

Established in 1986 by the REALTORS® Association, Toys for Joy provides new toys, gifts, and holiday meals to families throughout greater Anoka County. The program serves thousands of children each season and reports an annual shortage of gifts for youth ages 12–18.

Granny’s Closet

Granny’s Closet is a volunteer-run nonprofit serving low-income seniors and adults with disabilities in Anoka and Sherburne counties. The organization offers free personal care products, clothing, and household goods—items often not covered by assistance programs.

High-Need Donation Items

While monetary donations are welcome at all collection sites, the city and partner organizations identified several high-need categories for this year’s drive:

Alexandra House – Winter Coat Drive

• New or gently used winter coats: Kids’ sizes 2T, 3T, 4T; Adult Small and Medium
• New children’s hats and gloves
• New or gently used children’s winter boots (all sizes)

ACBC Food Shelf – Non-Perishable Food

• Canned tuna/chicken
• Peanut butter
• Cereals
• Flour, sugar, oil
• Pasta, rice (preferably whole grain)
• Baby food
• Condiments, spices, and baking ingredients

Granny’s Closet – Household & Personal Care Items

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Men’s razors
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Dish soap and cleaning supplies

Toys for Joy – New, Unwrapped Toys

• Toys for ages 0–18
• Books, puzzles, games
• Small electronics
• Gift cards, especially for teens ages 12–18

Donation Sites and Hours

The City of Coon Rapids has set up collection bins at multiple convenient locations:

Coon Rapids City Hall Lobby

11155 Robinson Drive NW

• Accepts: All donation categories, including monetary gifts
• Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Nov. 24 – Dec. 15)

Coon Rapids Ice Center

11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.

• Accepts: Toys only

Bunker Hills Golf Club

12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW

• Accepts: Toys only

All Three Coon Rapids Fire Stations

• Accept: Toys and non-perishable food items
  (The fire stations provide 24-hour access for donors.)

City officials encourage residents to give what they can: whether it’s a warm coat, a box of cereal, a toy for a local child, or a monetary contribution that allows partner organizations to fill urgent gaps.

A Call to Community Generosity

As economic pressures and winter needs increase for many families and seniors, Coon Rapids leaders are emphasizing the importance of community-wide participation.

Residents seeking more information—including full lists of needed items—can visit the City of Coon Rapids News Flash page or contact City Hall directly.

MinneapoliMedia