December is the month when the excitement of Christmas morning gets more intense by the day for kids all over the world.  Unfortunately, there are many families all over the world, including in Minnesota, that need a Christmas miracle.

READ MORE: Sleigh Rides Are Back in Rochester, Minnesota

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
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Over 1,000 Kids in Southeast Minnesota Need a Christmas Miracle This Year...YOU

Santa has already arrived in town and he is gladly chatting with all of the kids and taking all of their Christmas wishes.  Unfortunately, we have over 1,000 kids in Southeast Minnesota who are going to be without gifts under the tree.  They need an angel who can help make that Christmas magic happen this year.

“We truly believe that it is so important for children to wake up to a present under the tree on Christmas morning. Especially the older children: they understand why they have less than their peers if they go to school on December 27th without a Christmas present to talk about and share. We want them to feel as special as everyone else.” - Major Candace Voeller, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army

 

 READ MORE: Score a Free Santa-inspired Christmas Tree This Year

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Canva
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Toy & Joy Shop Open Again This Year For Families in the Rochester, Minnesota Area

According to The Salvation Army, families with kids that are 16 and younger and need assistance this Christmas can register now to receive toys.  Parents and guardians will be guided through The Salvation Army's display of new gifts that angels throughout the area have donated.  Families can walk through on December 20th or 21st and pick out gifts for their kids and know that Christmas magic is real.

If your family could use some Christmas magic this year, register by December 15th at The Salvation Army website today here.

Credit: Craig Dirkes
Credit: Craig Dirkes
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Be Part of the Christmas Magic and Donate A Toy Today To the Toy and Joy Shop in Southeast Minnesota!

This has been a very challenging year for many families and kids in Olmsted County and feeling that bit of joy on Christmas morning as kids see the gifts under the tree with their name on it is what so many need right now.

Here's how you can help spread Christmas magic this year:

  • Buy a toy online for the Angel Tree - gifts are already picked out and can easily be purchased at the Angel Tree of Rochester, MN page at Walmart.com.  See all of the toys that are still needed here.
  • Donate a Toy at the Angel Tree at the Walmart Stores in Rochester, Minnesota
  • Check out the toy collection location for the toy shop at the Apache Mall.  The Sharing Tree is set up where items can be brought for kids in our community.
  • This year's toy distribution will take place on December 20th and December 21st, and we need all the volunteers we can recruit. If you are interested in volunteering to shop with parents for Christmas presents or to help us keep the toy shop display stocked with gifts, please sign up here.
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James Rabe - TSM
James Rabe - TSM
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Bell Ringers Still Needed in Southeast Minnesota This Year!

There is a time and a location for everyone to ring bells and your time spent at the kettles helps raise an average of $100 per hour in support of health, housing, and human services programs at The Salvation Army in Olmsted County.  Get signed up to register to ring at registertoring.com.

Townsquare Media Rochester - Preston
Townsquare Media Rochester - Preston
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Townsquare Media cares about our community! Every year, we help the community in a variety of ways from supporting local fundraisers, to running daily public service messages, to creating digital community campaigns and hosting events attended by thousands.

Do you have a community event coming up or a fundraiser?  Let us know!  Contact us at jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com or fill out the form requesting more info at our Townsquare Cares page.

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Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio

12 Places to Find Real Christmas Trees in Southeast Minnesota

If finding the perfect Christmas tree is on your list of things to-do this holiday season, below are 12 places in Southeast Minnesota that might be worth a visit. Some are Christmas tree farms that have trees already cut and a few locations where you can cut your own tree. Also on the list are some local stores and nurseries in the Rochester, Minnesota area that have the perfect tree waiting for you as well.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio