Toy donations lacking so far

Deepa Bharath

Nobody is sure if it is the dull economy or the aftermath of the

September terrorist attacks.

But if the trend continues, several needy children may not get a toy

this Christmas, say local fire officials who participate in the Spark of

Love toy drive every year.

The drive, now in its eighth year, has already seen a 50% decline in

contributions compared with those of last year, said Steve Miller, an

engineer with the Orange County Fire Authority.

“At this rate, we’re not going to be able to meet our needs,” he said.

The collections may increase this week and early next week before

Christmas, but Miller said he still anticipates a 25% deficit.

Locally, collections are also faltering, said Newport Beach Fire Capt.

John Blauer.

“It’s not been as strong as in previous years,” he said. “It could be

because of economic reasons. Also, people have been generous in their

contributions to fallen firefighters. Or maybe with schools open until

Dec. 21, they’ve just not had the time to drop anything off.”

Blauer said he still hopes people “pitch in last minute.”

For the last six years, the fire departments’ toy drive has also

partnered with Toys for Tots, a drive conducted by the Marines. Toys

collected from both drives are distributed from the same warehouse.

While other charity groups have also spotted a decline in

contributions this year, Goodwill Industries has seen the opposite, said

spokeswoman Denise Higuchi.

“We collect anything from toys and clothes to books and household

items,” she said. “We have stepped up our collections since Sept. 11 and

they have shown no signs of decreasing.”

Goodwill Industries operates 30 donation centers and 15 stores in

Orange County.

The Newport Beach Police Department has benefited largely this year in

its toy collection from a local nonprofit group, said Sgt. Steve Shulman.

The fire authority, meanwhile, has been trying to generate public

interest in their toy drive since last weekend, said spokeswoman Kymbra

Fleming.

“In the past years, people have been extremely generous,” she said.

“This year, things are probably tight and emotions are running high. But

we’re hoping people find the time to drop off at least one toy.

Everything counts.”

FYI

The Orange County Fire Authority also invites companies or

organizations that wish to make donations. Call Steve Miller at (888)

990-2766. Toys may also be dropped off at any of the Newport-Mesa fire

stations until Christmas Eve.