MAPLE LAKE, MINN. – The Tree of Hope will once again distribute toys to Minnesota hospitals to comfort seriously ill children during the holiday season. Tree of Hope is the only organization in Minnesota that provides toys to hospitals. The distribution date for 2013 is Saturday, December 7.
The airport at Maple Lake, Minnesota (KMGG) will be the central collection site. Donations can be dropped off there as well as two South Twin Cities metropolitan airports: Airlake Airport in Lakeville and Faribault Municipal Airport in Faribault.
Unwrapped gifts for babies and children up to 18 years old are requested. Suggested items are stuffed animals, books, activity books, puzzles, dolls, and trucks. Older children, often overlooked, would greatly appreciate receiving books, DVDs, CDs, cameras, radios, small electronics, handheld games, jewelry, cosmetics, cards and craft kits. If unable to bring gifts directly to Maple Lake on December 7, donations must be received at Lakeville (KLVN) or Faribault (KFBL) airports before Thursday, December 5.
Founded in 1990, Tree of Hope relies on Minnesota Ninety Nines, Shriner Flyers, the general aviation community and their supporters to collect toys. Volunteers solicit donations, sort, package and deliver the collected items to area hospitals. Last year, hundreds of toys were delivered to dozens of hospitals across the state. Contact the Minnesota Ninety Nines at www.minnesota99s.org for more information. Pictures can be seen on facebook: TreeofHopeMN.
