CHP And Cal Fire Each Hosting Annual Toy Drives

Law enforcement and fire officials are working to make sure all kids across the region have gifts to open at Christmas.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, in cooperation with ABC and Southern California fire departments, has kicked off its 21st annual “Firefighter’s Spark of Love Toy Drive." 

Through Dec. 20, Cal Fire/Riverside County fire stations are collecting toys donated by residents and other community programs to benefit those less fortunate.

Due to the strains of a challenging economy in recent years, toy donations are significantly down, according to a news release from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

“We encourage and appreciate those who wish to participate to bring an unwrapped toy or sports equipment (footballs, basketballs, etc.) to your nearest Riverside County fire station. These toys are sorted by firefighters and disseminated throughout their communities by working with churches, schools and local non-profit community groups that have identified and screened families in need,” the news release read.

“Over the years, I have watched the work of the community and our firefighters put a lot of smiles on kids’ faces. It warms my heart to see everyone pitch in to make the holidays a little more special for some of our communities’ less fortunate and I am proud of their work,” said Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Chief John R. Hawkins.

Locate your local Riverside County Fire Station:

http://www.rvcfire.org/stationsAndFunctions/FireStations/Pages/Fire-Stations-Map.aspx

Additionally, the Temecula California Highway Patrol office is seeking toy donations to help make Christmas morning a memorable one for local children in need. 

The office has partnered with Chick-fil-A in Murrieta, Walgreens, Red Robin restaurants, and Pechanga Resort and Casino for the annual CHiPs for Kids toy drive. 

Donations can be dropped off at the aforementioned locations. The Temecula Area CHP office is also accepting toys Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 27685 Commerce Center Drive, Temecula.

The toy drive runs through Dec. 20. 

“Toys collected during the drive will go to local non-profit organizations and charities for distribution. Any new, unwrapped toy, big or small, is greatly appreciated.  For some children the toy that you donate may be the only gift that they receive this Christmas.  Thank you for your support!” a news release from the Temecula Area CHP office read.