Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Phil Picardi and Euan Kerr

A toy drive inspired by Aniya Allen to spark joy from tragic loss

A young girl and a man pose for a photograph
K.G. Wilson (right) and his granddaughter, 6-year-old Aniya Allen, are shown in this picture. Wilson said his granddaughter is in critical condition after being hit by a bullet in the head.
Courtesy Photo

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The final day of a toy drive organized in memory of 6-year-old Aniya Allen, who was killed by a stray bullet in Minneapolis in May, is Wednesday.

New toys for ages 3-6 in their original packaging (but unwrapped) can be donated any number of ways, including being dropped off at So Low Grocery Outlet, at 3111 Emerson Ave. N. in Minneapolis by 6 p.m. Wednesday. Gifts can also be donated via Amazon gift registry or Target in-store or online registries, according to directions on the donation website.

Aniya's grandfather K.G. Wilson said he came up with toy drive idea as a way to channel the raw emotions he's experiencing.

“She would give anything. She was loving and caring and giving like that,” Wilson said. “I think I need to channel this hurt and this anger into something that is beautiful and positive for this Christmas.”

No one has been arrested in Aniya’s killing.

Wilson said he hopes the person responsible for his granddaughter's death will give the community a gift and turn themselves in.

"To give that to us — me and my family and the Minneapolis community — a Christmas gift by turning themselves in, and giving us that justice. So, I am continuing to go on. I am still hurt. I am still angry,” Wilson said. “But like I said, Aniya's Christmas toy drive is a way that I am channeling my anger and my hurt."

Gifts will be distributed Thursday afternoon.