Seasonal donations
August: Back-to-school program
Thank you to our 2025
sponsor
RBC Foundation – USA
Each August, STEP provides new school supplies and backpacks to over 750 St. Louis Park students, giving them the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Your support ensures that every student can start the school year feeling confident and prepared. Whether you donate funds (select Back to School Program Support), shop our Amazon or Target wish lists, or drop off supplies at STEP, you help children feel seen, supported, and ready for success.
To see which items are most needed this year, download our supply list. Please make sure all donations are received by August 11. Items can be dropped off during regular office hours at STEP.
Let’s fill every backpack with hope!
October-March: Winter coat program
The STEP Winter Coat Program is a vital initiative aimed at supporting residents of St. Louis Park during the harsh Minnesota winters. With temperatures often dropping to extreme lows, having the right winter gear is essential for staying warm and safe. Warm coats, boots, hats, and mittens can significantly help individuals and families cope with the bitter cold. By providing these important items, the program ensures that everyone has access to the protection they need to face the winter months with confidence and comfort.
Please drop off donations during our regular open hours at the back of the building from October to March. Drive into the alley to our donor door and ring the doorbell. A volunteer will greet you, collect your donations, and provide a receipt if needed. Donations left outside the building when STEP is closed will be considered dumping and reported to law enforcement. For more information, please contact Mari-Claire Dart.
2025 winter coat needs include:
Boys sized 5/6, 10/12, 14/16
Girls sized 5/6
Women sized Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Men sized Medium, Large
December: Holiday Toy Program
The holidays can be a particularly financially challenging time for families. Help ease this burden on your St. Louis Park neighbors by donating to our annual Toy Distribution Program.
This year’s program will include in-person toy shopping for:
Toys for infants to children up to 8-years old.
Target gift cards for children ages 9 to 17.
We need your support to ensure that St. Louis Park children have a wonderful holiday season. You can make a donation through our Amazon and Target Wish Lists. Alternatively, you can bring Target gift cards and toys to STEP’s donation door located in our alley during business hours.
Financial donations to support our Holiday Toy Program can also be made online; please select ‘Holiday Toy Program’ from the dropdown menu. Donations are accepted until December 11.
Please note that STEP does not accept stocking-stuffer donations or toys with violent themes.
If you have any questions about any of our seasonal programs, please contact Mari-Claire Dart.