Firefighters pull together for toy drive

Laguna Beach firefighters will participate in the annual Spark of

Love/Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive.

Together with firefighters throughout Southern California, they

will collect unwrapped toys and sports equipment for toddlers as well

as teens who are less fortunate this holiday season.

Lagunans can bring a new unwrapped item to any of the city’s four

stations.

“This is definitely one of those charities that firefighters

enjoy,” Capt. Dan Stefano said. “It’s such a special event as far as

who is benefiting from it.”

The “Spark of Love” campaign began in 1993 in cooperation with

ABC-7 and local firefighters throughout Orange, Los Angeles,

Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

Engineer Dennis Marsh played a key role in bringing the drive to

Laguna.

Last year, 490,537 toys were collected and more than 215,000 toys

were distributed to children throughout Orange County. Consistently,

donations from Laguna Beach have ranked at the top.

“The contributions from Laguna Beach meet or exceed all those

other cities,” Stefano said. “People are opening their hearts and

generosity and it’s great to see that.”

Sav-On Drug Stores, KLOS, KFRG and ESPN have joined this year’s

campaign as corporate sponsors.

The campaign will run through Christmas Day. For more information

on the Spark of Love Toy Drive or holiday safety, contact the Laguna

Beach Fire Department at (949) 497-0700. The stations are at Forest

Avenue, Agate and Glenneyre streets, Alta Laguna and Tree Top Lane

and 2nd Avenue in South Laguna.

-- Mary A. Castillo