Fire Stations Still in 'Desperate, Dire Need' of Toys for Kids

Story submitted by the Orange County Fire Authority:

Orange County fire stations are in desperate need of toys this holiday season! The toy warehouse, which is staffed by volunteers, is ready to fill orders for toy distribution but is in dire need of new unwrapped toys and gift cards.  With the meager economy and lots of people without jobs, once again, the need for toys is up considerably.

“Last year, we ran out of toys at the warehouse,” said Dee Azevedo, Toy Warehouse Manager. “This year is turning out like last year.  We have less than two weeks to fill the orders from non-profit groups that distribute these toys to the underprivileged children within the community.  It’s a huge endeavor and we are asking the public to make a donation at their closest fire station and make the holidays a little brighter for those less fortunate children.”

The Orange County Toy Collaborative combines the efforts of the Orange County Firefighters’ Spark of Love toy drive, the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program, Orange County Social Service Agency’s Operation Santa Claus program and the St. Vincent de Paul holiday charities program. Collectively, these campaigns receive and distribute more than 300,000 toys annually for needy children and families throughout Orange County.

For a location list of Laguna Beach fire stations, click here.