Toy Drive Planned for Disadvantaged Kids

For the first time, the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. will sponsor an areawide toy drive Saturday to help abused and neglected children in the San Fernando Valley.

Residents from any community may contribute to the drive, which is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Noah’s New York Bagels on Ventura Boulevard just west of Van Nuys Boulevard.

“We did something like this last year on a much smaller scale,” said association member Matt Epstein, who is organizing the event. “We figured we should open it up to the entire community.”

Those dropping off new, unwrapped toys at the drive will receive free coffee and a bagel.

City Councilman Mike Feuer, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and other officials are scheduled to speak at 11:30 a.m., Epstein said.

The association recommends these types of toys for the following ages:

* Infant to 5 years old: Stuffed animals, pull toys and building blocks.

* 6 to 10: Dolls, toy trucks, action figures, Play-Doh, puzzles and books.

* 11 to 13: Watches, radios, board games, jewelry, music and books.

* 14 to 18: Gift certificates for music or video stores and hand-held video games.