Hello everyone, Just like last year, we're going to collect some toys for the kids. We had about 20 cars delivering toys last year and we packed their donation tent. This year I want MORE. I told Kare-11 to expect 30+, so get your warm clothes on and be ready to show your ugly mugs on television What it is: Toys for Tots. Every year the USMarineCorps takes hundreds of donated toys and gives them to kids in the community whose families can't afford to buy them. They rely on donations from people like you and me. It is a wholly rewarding experience for all involved. Where it is: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?name=R+%26+D+Systems+Inc&city=Minneapolis&state=MN&address=614+Mckinley+Pl+NE&zipcode=55413&country=US&latitude=44.995336&longitude=-93.228607&geocode=ADDRESS&id=7180474 This is where we will meet up to get everyone together. Thanks to badbennyb for the location and the huge donation of toys from his work! WE DEPART AT 8 SHARP!!! When: I've contacted Kare-11 and requested Saturday December 19th during the 8-10am broadcast timeslot. I know that sounds early, but it's for the kids. Get your butts out of bed and come show the Twin Cities that MNSOC isn't just a bunch of hooning animals What to bring: Let's start with what NOT to bring.... WIth that said, last year there was all kinds of cool toys. Alot of cars and games and such. Follow the rules above, and shop like crazy. To be honest, I spent more on TFT last year than I did on gifts for people I know. This year will likely be no exception. We will also be bringing a large box to Firestone on Friday nights from now till the weekend before the date of the Cruise to collect toys from people that can't make it to the meet on the 19th. Post up in this thread if you can make the meet, or if you have toys you want to donate. I am in Green Bay during the week, and while I don't mind going to FS every Friday night, I may not show up if I don't think people are dropping off toys. So yeah, post up in this thread if you are going to the 19th Cruise, or if you have toys to drop off. I'll keep an eye on the thread to keep tabs on when and if I should be at Firestone to pick up stuff. Let's make this year even better than last year, and put those jarheads to work humping away a metric ton of toys from MNSOC! -Readymix UPDATE: LIST OF ATTENDEES AND POSSIBLE ATTENDEES. If you say "I might make it" or "Maybe I can show up" or "Hopefully I can make it out" then you are in the Possible Attendees "Maybes" section. Cruise Attendees: Readymix Aegis Brian Shorten 02blubru EBR15 TonyM badbennyb BoostedBugeye pksublime techy101 2.5RScrazy dhanso312 Moleness AWDImprezaL phi11 TSTRBOY2004 RexnEffect Tim the Plumber Goalie Box Ryan Maybes: Subaru003 putz MORE INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE http://minneapolis-mn.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.asp
I saw the pics from last year and thought I'd participate this year. The 19th works for me, so I am in.
no weapons I guess the nerf shotgun I already bought is gonna be opened and used on my wife and dog tonight I know I've mentioned it before but check the clearance sections I've been finding lots o good deals.
So do we drive to people's houses to hand out the toys? Sounds like a good experience I'll probably do it if I'm not busy that weekend.
No, you drive to the Kare11 station and drop the toys off with the marines. They shake your hand, thank you for donating, and they take them away to their warehouse where the toys are sorted into family bundles. If you are lucky, you get to talk to a newscaster and be on the news to promote your group. It's a great experience, and I am glad I get to go this year Also guys, the bigger the bundle of toys, the greater chance of us getting on TV ...
I'm definitely in, couldn't make it last year but dropped some toys off with the Tonka parts crew I assume they got delivered
My wife and I should be marked as a "strong" maybe. It is marked on our (and MORE IMPORTENTLY her) calender
I had a thought about banners or something for our cars involving the Toys for Tots logo. The official website asks that we contact the organization to request permission before using the logo/trademark. Yey or nay? I also asked at work if I would be allowed to accept donations on behalf of my company and it's employees - awaiting official response.
OK.. I have the use of a small trailer... I was thinking about trying to hit up some small places/business locally to make donations for it... and trying to fill the trailer.. heck we could put sides on it and make it 10ft tall and load it up... ha ha it aint the prettiest but sure would hold some toys... Gonna see what I can look into... put me in the maybe... got a busy life but would love to participate
Yes, we thought about that, but you have to be extremely careful when using logos. I was thinking of just making one that said "MNSOC Toy Bag" which would go on a car or trailer that we use to drop it all off. But we'll see, we can also contact them and see if we could use the logo.
I'm pretty sure you'll get the okay, they just want to cover their bases. The official website does have a dedicated page for promo materials "for use in your community."
First post updated. Kare11 has us slated for the 9am newscast, so be ready for that. Details are listed above.
Jason, your going to have to take me off the attendee list My mom booked a flight for me to come back to Ohio for XMas and she booked it for the 18th. sorry guys. I will drop off some toys at Firestone one of these days.
I didn't notice the signup sheet. You know i'm in again this year. I'm sure Erin will be down. We'll only take 1 car though.
I added it to my iGoogle Calendar and it has been wife approved, so Max the "burrito boy" and I will be there.
Attention MNSUBARU and MNSOC members. Readymix and I will be at Firestone each Friday at 7pm from now (this Friday) until the night before the Toy drive (12/18/09). If you cannot make it to the drive, please take a few minutes to come to FS, or give your donations to someone who is going to FS, so we can collect them. Thanks to all who are participating!
And well it looks like it's going to be raining tomorrow, so we may have to start taking toys next week. If it was snowing, not a big deal. F this rain ****.
Cool! I'll update the first post with the list of people who say they're coming People, this is for the shorties, and we're running out of time. We've bought some toys but our toy box is pretty bare. I'd like to think that means you all are coming to the cruise, but I know better - so please - PLEASE - bring your toys to Firestone this Friday if you can't make it, or give them to someone who is going so we can fill the donation box! We have a spot at kare11 and it would look really bad for us if only a few people (and a few donations) showed up.
maybe a pic of the sad empty box will help motivate others..... either way, I am there, I will have a few toys... Did you put up a link like last year with suggestions and age groups they really struggle to get gifts for?
Well the OP is pretty detailed to begin with. I updated it with a link to their website for other questions.
