MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — It’s the season of tradition and one Iowan with a heart of gold has an annual tradition to give back to the community.

After the 2018 tornado in Marshalltown, Blaine Fisher organized the Heart of Gold Toy Drive to help collect toys for Marshalltown children. He continued this tradition every year, partnering with the Salvation Army in Marshalltown to help bring hundreds of children toys for the holidays.

He organizes the drive around his birthday because he wants to encourage people to give to each other instead of him.

This year, Fisher is expanding the toy drive to help people in Minden, which was hit hard in April when an EF-3 tornado ripped through the community.

“I like helping those who might not be able to pay for toys themselves, especially after the tornados that hit Iowa this year, it feels good to give back,” said Fisher.

People can drop off toys at 11 locations, 10 are in Marshalltown and one is in Conrad. Here is a list of the drop-off locations:

Conrad:

• Hangloose Nutrition-121 N. Main St. 

Marshalltown:

• Bauder Consulting, Inc.-13 E. Southridge Rd. 
• Oliver Beene Designs-214 E. Main St.
• Taco John’s -907 S. Center St. 
• Ma Browns Cookies & More-2909 Jackie Terrace
• REM Iowa-21 S. 2nd Ave 
• Marshalltown Police Department-909 S. 2nd St.
• Citizens Savings Bank-110 W. Southridge Rd.
• MAMA DiGrado’s Pasta & Pizza-2500 S. Center St.
• Karl’s in Marshalltown Auto Group- 1000 N 3rd St.

Every year, their largest drop-off site is the Marshalltown Police Department, and this year, they were the first to receive a box.

“I love what he’s doing. I mean it’s great for the kids and everyone that needs stuff like that so it’s awesome,” said Marshalltown Patrol Officer Sean Henson.

In a Facebook post, Blaine’s mother, Kandy Fisher, announced that they will help about 98 children in Minden — 61 are toddlers through 8th grade, and 37 are high schoolers.

Marshalltown Patrol Officer Brian Morrison said, “Every year, Christmas time comes around and kids need certain items. This also gives an opportunity to get things that they want, that they’re not usually able to be provided or get, so it’s a great cause.”

Toys for newborns through age 18 will be collected from now through December 6th.