Every December, Marshall radio, local churches, businesses, and hundreds of volunteers come together to deliver a complete holiday meal box for the household and hand-selected presents for every child age 18 and under living in Lyon County.
Register online in minutes, then pick up your holiday packages at the Marshall Armory on Distribution Day.
Register By
November 12th, 2026
Distribution Day
Saturday, December 12th, 2026
Marshall Armory, 500 Timmerman Drive, Marshall, MN 56258
A Glimpse Inside Distribution Day
Gift Sorting Volunteers
Thousands of gifts wrapped & prepared by age
Youth & Student Groups
Local teams & clubs lending a strong hand
Community Youth in Action
Students coming together to serve neighbors
Generous Community Donations
Local businesses & families donating toys & funds
How Lyon County Heart to Heart Works
Whether you apply online or mail in the official PDF form, here is what Lyon County families can expect this holiday season.
Register Your Household
Complete the online registration form or download, fill out, and mail in the printed registration form by November 12th, 2026.
Confirmation Postcard
Once Heart to Heart receives your registration, you will receive a confirmation postcard in the mail with instructions for pick-up or homebound delivery.
Distribution Day
Visit the Marshall Armory on Saturday, December 12th, between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM to receive your holiday food package and children's gifts.
A Warm Christmas
Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner including holiday turkey or ham, fixings, pantry staples, plus wrapped gifts for each child in your home.
A Complete Christmas Dinner & Multi-Day Food Supply
Every qualifying registered household receives a generous food box designed to provide a traditional holiday dinner and supplemental food for several days:
- Traditional Holiday Turkey or Ham
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables
- Cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and butter
- Pasta, soups, tuna, macaroni & cheese, pantry staples
- Holiday desserts, fruit cocktail, and sweet treats
Christmas Presents for Children (Age 18 & Under)
Children living in registered Lyon County households receive gifts selected to make their Christmas morning truly unforgettable:
- Age-appropriate toys, games, and activities
- Warm winter mittens, hats, scarves, and gloves
- Books, educational puzzles, and creative crafts
- Cozy blankets and special holiday surprises
- Special gifts for teenagers and young adults up to 18
Register Online in Under 3 Minutes
No printer? No problem. Our online registration portal lets you securely submit your household information, list of children, and food request directly from your phone or computer.
Started by KMHL Radio & Lyon County Neighbors
On Christmas Eve in 1985, radio host Brad Strootman and Joyce Holm received an on-air phone call from Andy Lee and employees at Gesme's Printing in Marshall. They donated $250 to the food shelf and challenged other businesses. Within three hours, $1,800 was spontaneously raised!
By Christmas 1986, local churches, welfare agencies, retail managers, and civic groups united under one umbrella: Heart to Heart. In that inaugural year, 367 families received holiday dinners and 905 children received Christmas gifts.
It's Magical Because of You
Businesses, churches, civic clubs, families, and individuals across Southwest Minnesota make Heart to Heart possible every year.
Make a Financial Gift
Your tax-deductible donation directly purchases turkeys, potatoes, fresh holiday groceries, and gifts for children who might otherwise go without.
Volunteer on Distribution Day
Join hundreds of friendly neighbors sorting gifts, packing food boxes, assisting registered families, or delivering to homebound seniors and disabled residents.
Host a Food or Toy Drive
Churches, schools, businesses, and clubs can organize collection drives for non-perishable canned goods, toys, gloves, or gifts. We can help provide flyers and promotion.