Holiday Tree of Hope Organizing Summer Toy Drive

For 30 years, Holiday Tree of Hope has been collecting toys for children who are hospitalized during the holidays.

The non-profit organization has served over 40 hospitals, shelters, and Ronald McDonald house each year, bringing smiles to children and families who are dealing with trying times.

This year, Holiday Tree of Hope wants to get a jump start on the project with a "Christmas in August" fly-out project at seven airports throughout Minnesota.

Pilots and the general public can drop off toys to any of the following airports between Aug. 6 and Aug. 31:

• KANE: Anoka County Blaine-Janes Field (Lynx FBO) (Fuel discount offered for donation)

• K21D: Lake Elmo (Lake Elmo Aero)

• KSTC: St. Cloud Regional (FBO)

• KAXN: Alexandria-Chandler Field (FBO)(Fuel discount offered for donation)

• KFBL: Faribault Municipal-Liz Wall Strohfus Field (FBO)

• KBRD: Brainerd Lakes Regional (NorthPoint Aviation)

• KROS: Rush City Regional (Hawk Aviation)

Plan your summer cross country flights to include a flight to one or more of these airports.

Drop a toy or two, borrow the courtesy car, visit a local restaurant, and help make your day, and a child's Christmas a happy one!

Age groups for donations include the following: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Grade School, Pre-Teen and Teens.

Toys for all age groups are accepted, Holiday Tree of Hope currently has the biggest need for infants and teenagers.

Organizers are planning an in-person Tree of Hope event Saturday, Dec. 4.

Monetary contributions can be made on the organization's donation site by scanning a QR code. Visit http://www.HolidayTreeOf Hope.org for more information.