Share-A-Heart toy drive seeks donations by Dec. 12

Registration is now open for the 2025 Vilas County Salvation Army/Northland Pines Toy Program, which helps ensure local families have gifts for their children this holiday season, and community members are invited to donate a new unwrapped toy by Friday, Dec. 12.

The program provides new toys for children ages 18 and under across the Northland Pines, Phelps and Three Lakes school districts. Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to register online at thesalvationarmywi.regfox.com/2025-vilas-county-three-lakes-toy-program by Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Santa’s Workshop, where parents can select gifts their children will enjoy, will be held by appointment only Dec. 19 and 20. The event is made possible through donations from local residents, groups and businesses.

Community members are invited to support the effort through the Share-A-Heart Toy Drive, coordinated by the Vilas County Salvation Army and the Northland Pines National Honor Society. Residents may pick up a Share-A-Heart tag at participating locations, purchase a new unwrapped toy and return it by Friday, Dec. 12.

“Each donated toy represents more than just a present — it’s a moment of relief for a parent, a spark of joy for a child and a reminder that this community cares for its neighbors,” said organizer Kathy Holtorp. “Your generosity helps ensure that every child has something special to open and every family feels supported during the holiday season.”

Toy donations may be dropped off at the following locations: Aspirus Eagle River Memorial Hospital; Aspirus Healthcare Clinic, Eagle River; Auto Value of Eagle River; Conover Chamber of Commerce; Dollar General in Eagle River, St. Germain and Three Lakes; Dollar Tree; Eagle Craft and Hobby; Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce; Grandma’s Toy Box; Health In Motion; Northwoods Children’s Museum; Parsons of Eagle River; Pick ’n Save; Republic Services; Three Lakes Chamber of Commerce; Tremblay’s Sweet Shop; Trig’s; Veterans Resource Center; Vilas County Health Department; Walgreens; Walkabout Paddle and Apparel; WRJO/WERL radio station; Associated Bank; Incredible Bank; Nicolet Bank; People’s State Bank; U.S. Bank; Northlife Church; Pioneer Lake Lutheran Church; Demmer Memorial Library (Three Lakes); Land O’ Lakes Public Library; Olson Memorial Library (Eagle River); and Plum Lake Library (Sayner).

Bell ringers needed

The Vilas County Salvation Army Kettle Campaign is underway, and volunteers are needed to ring bells this holiday season.

Organizers are asking community members to volunteer for two-hour shifts at Trig’s, Pick ’n Save, Nelson Ace Hardware and Walgreens in Eagle River, as well as Three Lakes Town Market. Shifts are available Monday through Saturday.

Clubs, organizations and sports teams are also encouraged to “Adopt a Kettle” for a day.

Red Kettle donations help local neighbors year-round with rent, utilities, medication and other emergency needs.

“Bell ringing is for every age, every family, every heart willing to serve,” Holtorp said.

To schedule a time to ring the bell, contact Holtorp at 715-617-2179 or sign up online at savilas.org. Monetary donations may also be mailed to The Vilas County Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1226, Eagle River, WI 54521.