Lyon County Heart to Heart

Lyon County Heart to Heart is a volunteer-powered Christmas charity serving families across Lyon County, Minnesota.

 Our mission is simple: ensure every family has a holiday meal and every child receives a gift. Through community generosity, we provide Christmas food boxes and gifts for children ages 18 and under—bringing hope, dignity, and joy to hundreds of households each season.

Our Story

Heart to Heart began with a spark of generosity on Christmas Eve 1985. During a live KMHL/KKCK radio broadcast, listeners spontaneously donated $1,800 to support local families. That single moment of kindness inspired community leaders, churches, businesses, and volunteers to join forces. Together, they created a coordinated county-wide effort to identify families in need and make sure no one was left out during the holidays.

In December 1986, Heart to Heart held its first full distribution—serving more than 900 children and over 100 adults with food, toys, and essential items. Volunteers returned from deliveries in tears, moved by the gratitude and stories shared by families. From that moment on, Heart to Heart became a cherished annual tradition of compassion in Lyon County.

What We Do

Every year, Heart to Heart organizes a large, community-driven effort to support families during the holiday season. Our work includes:

• Christmas Food Boxes: Nutritious ingredients for a full holiday meal for each registered household.

• Children’s Gifts: New, age-appropriate gifts for all children ages 0–18.

• Home Deliveries: Volunteers bring items directly to households unable to pick up.

• Community Connections: Collaborations with churches, nonprofits, civic groups, and businesses to coordinate giving and maximize impact.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Hundreds of community members gather to sort, wrap, organize, load, and deliver—turning generosity into action.

Our Impact

Heart to Heart continues to grow in both reach and community support. Recent years have seen:

• Hundreds of families served annually

• Thousands of gifts distributed

• Over 150 home deliveries to families with barriers to transportation

• A fully volunteer-run model that turns every donated dollar into direct support

Even when the distribution location changes—such as during the 2024 relocation to Southwest Minnesota State University—our volunteers adapt quickly and serve with steady dedication.

How We Serve With Dignity

Heart to Heart maintains partnerships with schools, social service agencies, churches, and community groups to identify needs and prevent duplication. Families register in the fall, ensuring that distribution day runs efficiently and respectfully. Our goal is not just to give gifts and food, but to create a warm, welcoming experience for every person who walks through our doors.

Why It Matters

For many local families, the holidays can amplify financial stress. Heart to Heart eases that burden and reminds families that their community sees them, supports them, and stands beside them.For volunteers, the experience is transformational. Many describe it as one of the most meaningful moments of their year, a day filled with gratitude, kindness, and connection.

How You Can Help

Heart to Heart is fueled entirely by the generosity of Lyon County. You can support our mission through:

• Financial donations

• Food or gift donations

• Volunteer service during wrapping and distribution

• Hosting a workplace, church, or civic donation drive

Every gift—large or small—helps bring holiday joy to a neighbor in need.

Our Vision

We believe every child deserves to feel the magic of the holidays.We believe every family deserves to gather around a holiday meal without financial fear.And we believe that the strength of Lyon County is found in the kindness we share with one another.

Heart to Heart exists to make those beliefs real, one family at a time.