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Lowlands Group has launched its third annual Stella’s Toy Drive, a month-long initiative that brings together restaurants, small businesses, and neighbors across the Greater Milwaukee area to spread warmth and joy to families in need this holiday season.
The toy drive, which runs Nov. 10 through Dec. 10, honors the memory of Stella Mae Polster, the beloved daughter of Tracy Broekman and Brian Polster, who passed away in 2017 at just six months old. During Stella’s short life, her family found care and comfort through Children’s Wisconsin and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The annual toy drive was born from their desire to give back and keep Stella’s light shining for others facing similar challenges.
“In the spirit of the season and in loving memory of our daughter, Stella, we’re collecting toys to help make the holidays a little brighter for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House,” said Stella’s mom, Tracy Broekman. “We were fortunate to stay close during Stella’s care—not every family can—and we hope these gifts bring warmth, comfort, and a bit of Stella’s light to those who need it most.”
What started as a heartfelt tribute from the Lowlands team has blossomed into a citywide effort. In 2024, the drive collected more than 750 toys, and this year’s goal is even higher.
More than 15 local businesses have joined forces with the Lowlands Group to host Stella’s Toy Boxes, including all seven Milwaukee-area Lowlands restaurants and several community partners throughout Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay, Mequon, Bay View, Brookfield, and beyond.
Among this year’s participating drop-off sites are:
- Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club,
- Café Hollander (locations in Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Downer Ave., and Mequon),
- Centraal Grand Café & Tappery,
- Café Benelux,
- BelAir Cantina,
- Vendetta Coffee Bar,
- Shop Privy,
- Saz’s State House,
- Le Reve Pâtisserie & Café,
- Honeycomb Salon,
- WaterStone Bank (among others)
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at any participating location through Dec. 10.
Businesses that want to get involved can contact the Lowlands Group marketing team to host a collection box of their own.
“Stella’s Toy Drive started out as a simple idea inspired by a courageous little girl, but with the support of the entire community it has blossomed into a really special winter tradition,” said Eric Wagner, Lowlands Group owner and CEO. “We’re truly grateful for the overwhelming support and excited to delight even more kids this year.”
The month-long drive will wrap up in festive fashion with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Wauwatosa Village on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Guests are invited to bring a toy donation and enjoy free cookies outside Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club and Café Hollander while taking in live holiday music and the twinkling lights of the train’s seasonal spectacle.
For more information and a full list of participating locations, visit lowlandsgroup.com/3rd-annual-stellas-toy-drive.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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