Warehouse low on toys

The Orange County toy collection warehouse that houses toys for

charities like “Spark of Love,” “Toys for Tots” and “Operation Santa

Claus” has run out of toys for children ages newborn to 2 years old

and for girls ages 9 to 12.

“We have orders to fill but have had to suspend filling certain

orders because we are not able to complete them. The volunteers are

here and ready, but we need more toys. Lots of them!,” said Scott

Mather, toy drive coordinator for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The Orange County Toy Collaborative has received requests for more

than 350,000 toys this year.

All four fire stations in Laguna Beach are serving as collection

sites for new unwrapped toys or sports equipment. The drop-off

locations are: Fire Station No. 1, Forest Avenue/City Hall; Fire

Station No. 2, Agate Street; Fire Station No. 3, Top of the World;

and Fire Station No. 4, South Laguna. For more information: (949)

497-0700.

Seniors naming names in fundraising effort

On Dec. 13, the Laguna Beach Seniors announced they will launch an

additional fundraising program for the new Senior Center that is

planned to be built in Downtown Laguna Beach.

The Founder’s Wall campaign allows the public to make a donation

of $1,000 and have their name on the center’s entry wall as a

founding donor. This campaign allows individuals, companies and

organizations to become involved with a more affordable contribution

amount.

The Founder’s Wall program adds to the organization’s primary

fundraising activity: the opportunity to name a room in the Senior

Center for $25,000 per room. The naming of the building in someone’s

honor is also available for a pledge of $750,000.

Laguna Beach Seniors is attempting to raise a total of $2.5

million for the new senior center, and so far they have raised more

than $1 million.

Pearson indicated that pledges may be paid throughout three years’

time.

Those interested in contributing should call the Senior Center at

(949) 497-2441.

Scouts collecting coats for those in need

Laguna Beach Girl Scouts Service Unit No. 1 will be collecting

clean and reusable coats and jackets through Jan. 10 to assist the One Warm Coat community service effort that supplies coats, free of

charge, to local children and adults who are in need.

All donated coats will be given to the Laguna Relief and Resource

Center and the Cold Weather Shelter for distribution.

Coats of all shapes sizes are welcome and men’s sizes are most

needed.

The Laguna Beach Girl Scouts will be knocking on doors asking for

donations. If you have not been contacted by a Girl Scout, call Susie

Russell to make arrangements for a coat pick up at (949) 497-1158.

Water district warns public to be wary

The Laguna Beach County Water District is asking that those living

near water supply facilities keep a watchful eye for any unusual

activity in the area.

The district makes water supply safety and security a top

priority, and the public’s awareness can only enhance security

measures. Suspicious activities could include a stranger examining

gates and locks or someone posing as a district employee and asking

for access to your property.

All District employees wear a uniform and are required to produce

identification upon request. To report someone posing as a district

employee or any unfamiliar activity near the water facilities, call

the district at (949) 494-1041 or the Laguna Beach Police Department

at (949) 497-0700. If it is an immediate emergency, call 911.