Culver City’s Fire Department is joining forces with fire departments across Southern California to take part in the Spark of Love toy drive, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
“Over the past 25 years, Spark of Love has successfully collected more than 8 million toys,” according to the County of Los Angeles website. “The campaign collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties. The campaign runs through Christmas Eve, and our goal is to exceed last years’ collection of 450,000 toys.”
New, unwrapped toys and sports equipment are being collected until Christmas Day for under-served children and teens in and around Culver City.
Donations can be taken to the stations at 9660 Culver Boulevard, 11252 Washington Boulevard, and 6030 Bristol Parkway. In addition, there’s a website at abc7.com/sparkoflove.
The gifts are distributed through organizations, not individually. Organizations that want to receive gifts should go to fire.lacounty.gov and click on the Spark of Love logo to begin the application process. Alternatively, email sparkoflove@fire.lacounty.gov.
Not to be outdone, the Culver City Police are also collecting toys. Community Relations Lieutenant Troy Dunlap said that they are conducting a toy drive for Children’s Hospital and the Upward Bound House.
Dunlap added that next year the police will be joining forces with the fire department. In addition, the police department’s Santa Sleigh does a special showing at the station for children with cancer.
The Upward Bound House aims to eliminate homelessness among families woth children in Los Angeles by providing housing, supportive services, and advocacy.
“We strive to reduce the number of homeless families with minor children who are hungry and living on the streets of Los Angeles, by helping them access basic resources and successfully transition into their own homes with the capacity to remain there permanently,” they say in an online statement.
With the ongoing help of both the fire and police departments, more children will be able to have a happy holiday period.