Firefighters Partner With ABC and CVS for Spark of Love Toy Drive

Add Feedback

Share |

Spark of Love Toy Drive

Each year firefighters from across Southern California partner with Metrolink and KABC-TV for the Spark of Love Toy Drive, collecting Christmas gifts to distribute to needy children.  This year's event kicked off at the Metrolink Train Station in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where Santa and his helpers arrived on the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express.

Who Benefits From Spark of Love

"The toys that are collected in every county, stay in those counties, as well as those communities because the toys are not being shipped somewhere else. They actually stay here to help benefit the non-profit organizations that are helping the families," says Teresa Samaniego, Director of Public Affairs for KABC-TV.

Children who have been chosen to benefit from the Toy Drive are notified in advance by local charities. Families that have suffered sudden, catastrophic losses are also helped. "I know last year we were able to give out over 600,000 toys across the five counties that participated in the program. I know with the economy being bad this year, we're anticipating the need to be up and the donations to be lower," says Kelley Donaldson, the Public Information Officer for the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District.  Fire departments across the region have noticed this trend, and as the drive is nearing its end, they are rallying to secure additional donations to meet the increased need for toys this year.

Metrolink Holiday Toy Express

The Metrolink Holiday Toy Express is making an appearance at Metrolink train stations across Southern California until the weekend before Christmas.  The train is decked out with more than 50,000 lights and has been rolling in to various Southland stations for the past 13 years. Attendees are  treated to live entertainment, food, craft booths, carolers, and story time.

Stuff-A-Bus

At the Rancho Cucamonga kick-off, the KABC Channel 7 "Stuff-A-Bus" event also arrived and is presided over by ABC-7 reporter Garth Kemp. The event started out with one bus several years ago. Last year they filled five buses and are hoping to match that this year.

How to Donate to Spark of Love

Toys can be dropped off at collection boxes at any Southern California fire department or CVS Pharmacy until December 24, or at a Metrolink Holiday Toy Express Event through December 20.  Secure monetary online donations can be made on ABC-7's website.

Related Videos

Spark of Love 2008