Firefirefighters Collecting Toys for 'Spark of Love'

Though Christmas is less than a week away, there is still time to ensure a child in need has a happy holiday.

This year marks the 19th year of "Spark of Love," an annual toy drive sponsored by ABC7 along with the Los Angeles Fire Department and firefighters from Los Angeles County as well as Ventura, San Bernadino, Riverside, and Orange Counties.

LAFD Firefighter Michael Marquez, who is helping coordinate the toy drive, said they prefer to receive new, unwrapped toys “preferably worth at least $10.” However, they are grateful for all donations.

“There really are never enough because of all the requests,” Marquez said.

Capt. Tim Kelly of Hollywood’s is pleased with the donations that have been dropped off at the fire station so far.

“They’re doing great,” Kelly said. “Most of the barrels have been filled up. We get skateboards, basketballs, footballs, skates.”

Donations are especially needed for children ages 1 to 3 years old and for kids ages 10 to 12, Marquez said.

Monetary donations are also welcome, and all checks may be made out to “Sertoma,” an abbreviation for “service to mankind,” Marquez said. 

Ideally, all toys will be dropped off before Christmas Day, but donations will be accepted no matter when they are dropped off.

To give to "Spark of Love," drop off a toy donation at your neighborhood fire station including: , and .