2025 Toyland program serves thousands in Omaha metro

OMAHA, Neb.—People lined up at three of The Salvation Army of Omaha’s community centers—the Kroc Center, North Corps, and Citadel—on Dec. 18, waiting to pick out toys for free.

It was for the annual Toyland distribution – one of the organization’s two main Christmas assistance programs.

"In November, we had families all throughout the metro area sign up to get assistance from The Salvation Army to help make sure they have toys under the tree and food on the table,” Maj. Dan Sawka said.  “Today is the distribution event.”

The families who’d signed up were able to go to the three Salvation Army centers and shop – for free – the wide selection of toys there...and pick out just the right ones for their children.  They also picked up vouchers for Christmas meals.

The Toyland program is for children ages 0-15 and seniors more than 65 years old.  The Salvation Army uses the term “angels” for all the people who receive its assistance at Christmastime.

"We are helping a total of 6,946 angels throughout the entire metro area,” Sawka said. 

Ronnie Irby was one parent who picked up toys from the North Corps location.

"We actually just came out of homelessness,” she said.  “So us given the opportunity to be able to get toys for the children, toys for the kids, it's a huge blessing for me and my family."

Caitlyn Ross was at the Citadel Corps to get toys for her family.  She said their hardship started when they lost their car, and continued when she lost her job after giving birth.

"Then, when I went to try to go back to my job, they kind of basically hired someone else in my position and didn't want to take me back,” she said.  “So that's kind of why we got behind on some things."

Both women said they were grateful.

"I just want to say thank you to Salvation Army, to the volunteers," Irby said.  "Everyone that took out the time to donate and make Christmas the blessing and celebration that it needs to be."

"[Toyland] is made possible by a variety of different sponsors,” Sawka said.  “I would be remiss if I didn't thank 3 News Now and Jensen Tire & Auto.”  Sawka explained that the TV station and the longtime Omaha car-care company sponsor the Angel Tree toy-collection program, which provides a large portion of the toys given away at the Toyland events.  “They have been partnering with The Salvation Army for years to make sure that the Angel Tree program happens.”