Spark Of Love: Where To Donate Toys In Venice

VENICE, CA - The Los Angeles County Fire Department wants to help get toys into the hands of kids who need them.

The department’s annual Spark of Love donation event, in partnership with ABC7, Toys for Tots and other Southern California firefighters, is well underway. County firefighters will collect and distribute new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children throughout Southern California to open throughout the holiday season.

“Over the years, the Spark of Love toy drive has successfully collected and distributed nearly 9 million toys. Let’s make this year’s holiday season even brighter by delivering joy to those who need it most,” the department said on its website.

Despite the high number of donations each year, the drive is always short for infant and teen items, according to the fire department. Suggested items for teens include: cameras, watches, sunglasses, earphones, skateboards, scooters, basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, hair tools, jewelry, makeup brushes and bags.

There are many ways to donate. First, participants can drop off their toys at any local county fire station. In Venice, there are Los Angeles County Fire Department stations at:

• 1930 Shell Ave. Venice, CA 90291
• 4433 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
• 3631 Centinela Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90066

To donate via text, text “SPARK” to 24365. Donations can also be made online using this link. Monetary donations will go toward buying kids toys and sports equipment.