Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Collecting Holiday Donations for Annual “Toys for Joy” Drive

ANDOVER, Minn. — The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is once again inviting residents to help brighten the holidays for local families in need by serving as an official drop-off site for the countywide Toys for Joy donation campaign.

The Andover substation at 13301 Hanson Blvd NW is accepting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0–18, as well as nonperishable food items and cash donations, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The final day to donate is December 16.

Officials emphasized that every contribution stays within Anoka County, directly assisting families facing financial hardship.

A Longstanding Tradition of Local Giving

Founded in 1986 by the North Metro REALTORS® Association, Toys for Joy has grown into one of Anoka County’s largest and most trusted holiday assistance programs. Entirely volunteer-run and operating with no overhead costs, the nonprofit directs 100 percent of donations toward gifts, holiday meals and essential support for families.

The organization typically assists more than 1,000 families and around 4,000 children each year. In recent seasons, the program has distributed thousands of toys, bicycles, books and full holiday meal kits — all funded through community drop-off sites, local fundraisers, and year-round donations.

High Demand for Teen Gifts

While toys for infants and younger children are often abundant, program organizers say donations for teenagers remain in critically short supply. Gifts such as headphones, sports equipment, grooming sets, art supplies, and gift cards are especially helpful for teens.

Cash donations also play an essential role, allowing volunteers to purchase high-need items, supplement missing age groups and ensure that holiday meal packages can be provided to every registered family.

How to Donate

Drop-off location:
Anoka County Sheriff’s Office — Andover
13301 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Final Drop-off Date: December 16

Other ways to give:
• Mail: Toys for Joy, Inc., 3200 Main Street, Suite 270, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
• Online: Secure donations accepted through the Toys for Joy website
• Email inquiries: toys@toysforjoymn.com

As families prepare for the holiday season, the Sheriff’s Office and Toys for Joy are urging residents to take part in this longstanding tradition of generosity. Even a single toy or small monetary gift, they say, can help ensure that no child in Anoka County wakes up without a present — or a holiday meal — this year.

MinneapoliMedia