Toys for Tots returns
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MARTIN COUNTY - After health issues with the previous coordinators last year led to Martin County Toys for Tots being cancelled and the Salvation Army taking over toy distribution, a new coordinator has come on board, and Toys for Tots is back on in 2026.
The program is a nationwide effort conducted and overseen by the Marine Corps. Angela Wannarka said for her, becoming the new Martin County coordinator is a full-circle moment.
"Coming from a military family, I have adopted grandparents who are Marines," she said. "My children and I have donated where we were originally from, up in the Mankato area. We volunteered and have also been recipients. I was a single mom once upon a time."
As a member of the Salvation Army board last year, Wannarka saw firsthand what happened and was part of the Salvation Army toy drive efforts. Seeing the need for a new coordinator, she dove into giving back to a community she said has meant so much to her.
"I’ve grown up here, went to Martin County West," Wannarka said. "We’re a local farming family. Lived in this area almost my whole life, after moving back about 10 years ago. My passion is for kids and giving back. I pour my heart and soul into this. I’m ready to roll with it this year, and we’re excited for this year’s holiday season distribution."
Over the last four months, Wannarka has been hard at work making sure everything is certified and ready to go for Toys for Tots.
"I’ve had to get approved by the Marine Corps Association, background checks and everything," she said. "I just returned from a conference in St. Louis, Missouri, a three-day conference, learning about everything. Learning from mentors that have been doing this for many, many years."
The one major change this year is the applications will all be online. Wannarka said the library has public computers for those who need them.
"I’m just trying to make it a little bit more streamlined for me and in easiness and the flow of everything," she said. "One nice thing about the Toys for Tots admin site is it keeps it all organized and gives the recipients a number and everything."
Applications open Oct. 1 and are open to anyone who needs it. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 14th. Wannarka said the first is the best time to open this process as it is the beginning of the holiday season, and is the standard across Toys for Tots in America.
"It’s kicking off the holiday season, as you can tell probably from some of the stores that they have already started with the Christmas setting of decorations and supplies and stuff. It’s always been October 1."
With much of the preparation done, Wannarka said now they need people's help.
"We just ask for help from the community to donate a brand new toy, unwrapped," she said. "We are serving ages from birth up to 18. Drop it off at a collection site. I do have some volunteers lined up as well, but that would be greatly appreciated."
To be able to ensure this program continues in Martin County, Wannarka said it means bringing to others what she once experienced herself.
"Coming from myself as a single mother with two young children who are now grown," she said. "To recognize the joy of those presents being under that Christmas tree and the smiles of those children when they do wake up, so they do not wake up with nothing. It’s that feeling of joy and accomplishment that our organization has provided that support."
Drop-off sites include Les Schwab Tires, Kosbob and Sinn Wealth Management, Bomgaars, the Fairmont Youth Hockey Association, Tractor Supply, LiveFit, Militello Motors, Fleet Farm, Carpets Plus, Americold Logistics, Lakeside Agency, Walgreens, Bank Midwest, Fareway, Hawkins Chevrolet, HyVee starting Nov. 1st, CCF Bank, Fairmont Ford, Becker Financial Group/Edina Realty, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, U.S. Bank, Jakes Pizza, Profinium Bank, 360 Integrated Financial, Devenish and Portage Bank in Ceylon.
For more and updated future information, call Angela Wannarka at 507-276-3410, email at martin.county.mn@toysfortots.org or visit facebook.com/groups/fairmontmn/. To request a toy on or after Oct. 1, visit martin-county-mn.toysfortots.org and click Request a Toy.