The Mid-Minnesota Women's Center is accepting donations of toys and other gifts through Christmas Eve for its annual gift-giving program to help provide holiday cheer for its clients and their children.
The women's center provides 24-hour emergency shelter, support and advocacy services for victims and survivors of domestic violence. It opened its doors in 1978 as a shelter for people threatened by domestic violence. The shelter covers five counties in central Minnesota — Crow Wing, Cass, Todd, Wadena and Morrison.
The shelter has had its gift-giving program for decades and has been fortunate for the giving spirit of the lakes area, which has made the holiday season brighter for countless families, a news release stated.
Donations may be made through a cash contribution, purchased gifts or by adopting a family. Donations may be dropped off or mailed to the women's center, 1414 Maple St., Brainerd, MN 56401.
Donated items should be new and unwrapped. Suggestions include Lego sets, play kitchen sets, remote control cars, baby dolls, infant/toddler toys, superhero action figures, art and craft kits, train sets, board games, musical toys, movie theater gift certificates, waterpark passes, bowling passes, journals, gift cards, women's socks, makeup and toiletries.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the past year, the women's center has provided services for more than 1,400 individuals and provided emergency shelter to more than 200 victims and their children.
Anyone interested in other ways to support the women’s center can find opportunities to volunteer on its website.
