Asian Media Access (AMA), in partnership with Wat Promwachirayan (Thai Buddhist Temple), the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota, Chinese American Culture & Friendship, Frogtown/Rondo Black Church Alliances, and many community partners, proudly hosted two Annual Toys for Tots giveaway events over two weekends, from December 15 to December 22, at two locations: the Thai Temple in St. Louis Park and the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) in North Minneapolis. Additional partners included CAPI USA, the Asian American Business Resilience Network, the Cambodian American Partnership, and M Health Fairview Clinic.
Across the two weekends, and despite frigid single-digit temperatures, our partner agencies together welcomed more than 400 families and distributed over 3,100 toys to children in need.
At a time when many community members — especially those from BIPOC and immigrant/refugee communities—feel heightened concern about large public gatherings, AMA placed safety and care at the center of event planning. Each event was supported by a clear and intentional safety plan, which included:
- Advance registration and ID checks to ensure participants were signed up and arrived during their assigned time
- Controlled entry and crowd flow, especially around toy distribution areas
- Designated staff and volunteers assigned to toy distribution, and traffic coordination
- An appointed spokesperson to provide clear communication and respond to concerns, including guidance in the event of unexpected federal visits
While fear and uncertainty remain real for many families—particularly those already facing social and economic stress—our thoughtful planning helped participants feel more comfortable and supported. Many families shared that they felt safer attending because of the clear structure, friendly volunteers, and culturally familiar environment.
At the UROC location, the Toys for Tots distribution took place alongside a photo exhibition celebrating Asian New Year traditions, featuring Chinese, Hmong, Thai, and Vietnamese New Years Customs, and showcasing the work of Asian American women photographers. While waiting in line to pick up toys, community members had the opportunity to view and appreciate photos celebrating diverse Asian New Year traditions displayed along the hallway. This created a warm and meaningful backdrop for the event. Families were not only able to receive toys, but also experienced a sense of cultural pride, belonging, and joy.
In addition to toys, families enjoyed books for children of different ages, free canned food and sauces give-aways, free personal and body care products, and a warm, catered lunch shared on-site to foster connection and comfort. The event became more than a giveaway — it was a space of gathering, dignity, and celebration.
Following the events, many families contacted us after hearing about the giveaways, hoping to receive toys for their children. Unfortunately, all available toys had already been distributed. According to the Marine Corps Reserve, which coordinates Toys for Tots nationally, requests for toys increased sharply this year, while donations decreased across the country due to widespread social instability. This reality underscores both the urgency of community-based support and the limits of available resources.
We extend our deepest thanks to our partner organizations, host sites, staff, and volunteers, whose dedication made these events possible. Their commitment ensured that families were welcomed with respect, care, and generosity—even under challenging conditions. May we all continue to support one another and move into the new year with health, peace, love, and gratitude.
PLEASE NOTE: Asian New Year photo prints currently on exhibit at UROC are available for purchase. For more information, please contact stevelu@amamedia.org. Thank you.
