Toy drive is now underway

Firefighters lead effort to collect new toys for those in need.The annual collection of toys by firefighters in Southern California, known as Spark of Love, will take place through Dec. 24, Laguna firefighter and local organizer Denis Marsh said.

“People can come into any fire station in town and drop off toys. The only rule is that the toys be new and unwrapped,” Marsh said.

Last year Marsh said the drive brought in over 600,000 toys across Southern California.

“Laguna people have been very giving in the past,” Marsh said.

All of the toys are gathered and distributed at a central location where those wishing to pick them up must be registered, Marsh said.

Various charities including the Red Cross and churches participate in distributing the toys.

“Last year we had over 100,000 toys left over that we passed on to victims of fires,” Marsh said.

Toy collections take place at all four Laguna Beach fire stations: Station One, City Hall, 501 Forest Ave.; Station Two, 285 Agate Street; Station Three, 2900 Alta Laguna Blvd. in Top of the World; and Station Four, 34616 Second Ave. in South Laguna.