The Long Beach Fire Department's Spark of Love Toy Drive is at an all time low for donations and desperately needs your help to make a child happy this Christmas, officials said Monday.
This year marks the 17th year of the toy drive, which combines the efforts of fire departments from throughout Southern California with local media outlets.
While previous years saw the LBFD store room shelves overflowing with gifts this year's donations have dropped dramatically, with many shelves empty, said Long Beach Fire Capt. Jackawa Jackson.
Toys collected in the drive are distributed by the Long Beach Fire Department to deserving families who have lost their homes or belongings in the previous year from fire and other disasters.
Toys donated to the Spark of Love campaign are also delivered by Santa, who each year rides through the city atop one of the Long Beach Fire Department's trucks passing out toys and treats to boys and girls as they go.
In addition to toys and games, the Spark of Love campaign also accepts and appreciates gift cards and items designed for teens -- who are often over-looked, Jackson said.
Donation boxes are located at all Long Beach fire stations as well as Long Beach City Hall and all CVS pharmacies, Jackson said.
Any donation is tax deductible (Tax ID# 9321223990) and the fire department will be collecting toys through Dec. 24, Jackson said.
This year marks the 17th year of the toy drive, which combines the efforts of fire departments from throughout Southern California with local media outlets.
While previous years saw the LBFD store room shelves overflowing with gifts this year's donations have dropped dramatically, with many shelves empty, said Long Beach Fire Capt. Jackawa Jackson.
Toys collected in the drive are distributed by the Long Beach Fire Department to deserving families who have lost their homes or belongings in the previous year from fire and other disasters.
Toys donated to the Spark of Love campaign are also delivered by Santa, who each year rides through the city atop one of the Long Beach Fire Department's trucks passing out toys and treats to boys and girls as they go.
In addition to toys and games, the Spark of Love campaign also accepts and appreciates gift cards and items designed for teens -- who are often over-looked, Jackson said.
Donation boxes are located at all Long Beach fire stations as well as Long Beach City Hall and all CVS pharmacies, Jackson said.
Any donation is tax deductible (Tax ID# 9321223990) and the fire department will be collecting toys through Dec. 24, Jackson said.
Leave a comment