By Brian Hews
ABC7 and Southern California Firefighters are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Spark of Love Toy Drive this Friday, December 7th at Los Cerritos Center.
The “Stuff a Bus” toy drive is being hosted by popular ABC7 Weatherman Garth Kemp.
Kemp and his “band of elves” have been fixtures during the holiday season throughout Southern California for the past several years collecting untold amount of toys for needy children.
“Over the past two decades, the Spark of Love Toy Drive has successfully collected more than seven million toys. The campaign collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for underserved children and teens in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties. Toys collected in the respective counties are distributed locally. Our goal is to exceed last years’ collection of 500,000 toys,” read a statement from ABC7.
ABC7 receives a lot toys for younger children, but they are always short on teen and infant items. Here are some suggestions for teen items. Popular gift donations range from MP3s, Cameras, Watches, Jewelry, Sunglasses, Earplugs/earphones and Cell phone cases. Popular suggestions for boys are Skateboards, Razor scooters, Basketballs, soccer balls and footballs. Girl gifts include Cross-body purses/bags, Make-up brushes, Blow dryers, Flat irons, and Hot iron tools.
The toy drive will take place in the parking lot of the Los Cerritos Center that is located at the 605 Freeway and South Street in Cerritos.