LAKEVILLE, Minn. –Minnesotans lived up to their reputation Tuesday, not allowing a blustery day to intercept an opportunity to make a difference. 

The Vikings teamed up with KFAN, the U.S. Marine Corps and CenturyLink for an annual Toys for Tots drive to make the holidays memorable for Minnesota youth.

It was all hands on deck for a 13-hour campaign that kicked off with a live KFAN broadcast at 5:30 a.m. from Mills Fleet Farm in Lakeville. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, defensive tackle Shamar Stephen, former running back Dave Osborn, Viktor the Viking and Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders took part in the effort.

"I'm a very outgoing person any way, and I like coming out and meeting the fans," Munnerlyn said. "It's definitely a great cause, to give back to the community."

He added: "If it's me being here signing an autograph or [personally] giving, I'm definitely down for that."

During an afternoon shift, Sgt. Swanepoel of the U.S. Marine Corps stood in uniform near large boxes wrapped in holiday paper, greeting and thanking individuals who stopped by with donations that included Hot Wheels cars, Barbie dolls, building blocks and Nerf footballs. Anyone who contributed a toy was then eligible for prizes that included autographed Vikings memorabilia.  

"We started doing Toys for Tots a long time ago, and it's [an effort] to get toys to kids who otherwise wouldn't be able to get them," Swanepoel said. "It's something we do for the community, because we're part of this community."

Swanepoel emphasized the significance of the Vikings having a presence at the drive.

"We've [worked with KFAN] for a number of years now, and when they bring the Vikings with, it tells the community, 'Hey, this is a great event,' " Swaneboel said. "It raises awareness for Toys for Tots even more, so it's a massive impact."

Stephen said he enjoyed spending time visiting with fans and witnessing so many people coming together to influence others during the holiday season.

"This is a great event," Stephen said. "I'm just here trying to support the community, trying to support the fans that support me every Sunday. People that are donating and helping for the holidays is just a great thing."

Minnesota has gained a reputation for being one of the nation's top Toys for Tots locations, and all toys collected during Tuesday's drive will be distributed to youth throughout the Greater Twin Cities. According to a Toys for Tots representative, the age ranges most in need are ages 0-4 and ages 11-15. In addition, donators are encouraged to purchase and donate gender-neutral toys such as soccer balls, footballs or fishing poles.

"Having the Vikings here with us brings a lot of people out of the woodwork that want to get autographs or [meet the players]," said KFAN Promotion Director Ellie Tungseth. "So it's a good incentive for people to donate both toys and cash donations. That's really helped out."

According to Tungseth, Fleet Farm received a flood of toy-toting visitors early in the morning during the Power Trip live broadcast.

Even before the drive wrapped up, the 2016 Toys for Tots campaign had shattered last year's results. Each large box held approximately 250 toys, and seven full boxes had already been shipped back to the warehouse by 3 p.m.

Tungseth said the afternoon total doubled the 2015 total donation total. Ryan Rhody, a dedicated Vikings fan, recruited fellow followers of the purple and gold to make an impact on the toy drive.

We just dropped off a mountain of toys for @KFAN1003 's Toy For Tots drive! Thanks to all who helped us! #Skol pic.twitter.com/3WVOu7XRCX

— Rhody (@ryanrhody) December 6, 2016

"They do a really awesome thing where they have people come to their tailgates, and then instead of donating cash for the [drinks] or the food, they donate a toy," Tungseth explained. "So they came with 25-plus huge bags that were just full of toys. It's awesome to have fans like that that really gather together and fundraise for us." 

Munnerlyn said the gesture reflected the hardworking and generous nature of the Vikings community.

"It shows that the people of Vikings Country, they really care," Munnerlyn said. "They really care about giving back, and they really care about helping folks out. I'm proud to be a part of this organization and Vikings Country. They do a great job for us."