CRPD and CRFD Launch the 2025 “Season of Giving” Tonight at Coon Rapids City Hall

Coon Rapids, MN — November 23, 2025
The Coon Rapids Police Department (CRPD) and Coon Rapids Fire Department (CRFD) are inviting residents to City Hall tonight for the official launch of the city’s annual Season of Giving campaign. The event, held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Coon Rapids City Hall (11155 Robinson Drive NW), marks the beginning of a three-week community donation drive supporting children, families, seniors, and survivors of domestic violence across Anoka County.

The Season of Giving has become a cherished local tradition—one that blends holiday generosity with meaningful community connection. City officials say the campaign plays a vital role in meeting year-end needs for some of the region’s most relied-upon nonprofits.

A Community Celebration With Purpose

Tonight’s kickoff event offers families a chance to connect with local first responders while supporting neighbors in need.

Featured Activities Include:

• Vehicle Tours: Children and adults can step inside squad cars, explore fire engines, and learn directly from CRPD and CRFD personnel.
• Meet Rocky: Rocky the Raccoon, the city’s official mascot, will greet families and pose for photos throughout the evening.
• Holiday Donations: Attendees are encouraged to bring new toys, food items, winter gear, toiletries, or monetary contributions.

“Bringing people together for a cause this important is what community is all about,” CRFD leadership noted in the campaign announcement.

Who Your Donations Support

Items collected tonight—and throughout the donation period—will directly benefit five local organizations providing critical assistance in Anoka County.

1. Toys for Joy / Toys for Tots

Holiday gifts for children and teens
Urgent Needs:

• New, unwrapped toys (ages 0–18)
• High-need: Teen gifts (gift cards, small electronics, skincare sets)
• Books, puzzles, craft kits, and board games

2. Mercy Hospital – Pediatric Units

Comfort for hospitalized children during the holidays
Urgent Needs:

• New toys and comfort items for children spending the holidays in care

3. Alexandra House

Domestic and sexual violence shelter and advocacy services
Urgent Needs:

• Winter coats (Kids 2T–4T and Adult S/M)
• New hats, gloves, mittens, and winter boots (all sizes)

4. ACBC Food Shelf (Anoka County Brotherhood Council)

Food security and emergency support for families
Urgent Needs:

• Non-perishables:
  • Canned tuna or chicken
  • Peanut butter
  • Cereal, pasta, rice
• Baking staples: Flour, sugar, oil, spices

5. Granny’s Closet

Serving lower-income seniors and adults with disabilities in Anoka County
Urgent Needs:

• Toiletries: Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, men’s razors
• Household essentials: Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dish soap

How to Donate

At Tonight’s Event (4–7 PM)

Bring any donation items directly to Coon Rapids City Hall. Police and fire personnel will be on hand to assist and thank contributors.

Monetary Donations

Checks are welcomed and frequently requested due to nonprofit purchasing power.
Make payable to:
Coon Rapids Fire Department Community Fund
Memo line: Write the name of the organization you wish to support (e.g., ACBC, Alexandra House, Granny’s Closet).

Can’t Make It Tonight? Donation Drive Continues Through December 15

The Season of Giving continues from November 24 through December 15, with multiple drop-off locations availablhttps://minneapolimedia.town.news/node/add/article#e:

• Coon Rapids City Hall
  Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. – All donations accepted
• Coon Rapids Ice Center (11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.)
  Toys only
• Bunker Hills Golf Club (12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW)
  Toys only
• Coon Rapids Fire Stations (Stations 1, 2 & 3)
  Open 24/7 – Accept toys and non-perishable food items

More information is available via the City of Coon Rapids Season of Giving page:
https://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/1520/Season-of-Giving-Kick-Off-Toys-for-Joy-S

A Small Gesture Makes a Big Impact

City leaders emphasize that everyday essentials—such as toiletries, winter gear, and household supplies—are often the most urgently requested yet least donated items. Residents planning to donate are encouraged to check closets, storage bins, or holiday shopping carts for new items that can make the season brighter for someone in need.

Tonight’s kickoff represents more than the start of a donation drive—it’s a reminder of how one community comes together each year to strengthen the bonds of compassion and care.

Coon Rapids residents are invited to stop by City Hall between 4 and 7 p.m., meet the city’s first responders, and help launch a holiday season rooted in generosity, gratitude, and community spirit.

MinneapoliMedia