Firefighters collecting toys for Spark of Love

The Fountain Valley Fire Department is once again participating in the Spark of Love Toy Drive campaign.

The Spark of Love campaign began in 1993 as a partnership between ABC7 and firefighters throughout the five-county areas of Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura.

In Orange County, Spark of Love combines efforts with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, Social Services Agency’s Operation Santa Claus and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Holiday Charities program.

Working together as the Orange County Toy Collaborative, these agencies collect and distribute approximately 300,000 toys annually to Orange County children who may otherwise go without during the holiday season.

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the firefighters’ Spark of Love campaign, which runs through Dec. 24. All Orange County fire stations will serve as drop-off sites for new, unwrapped toys or sports equipment. Gift cards will also be accepted.

Monetary donations can be made to the Orange County Toy Collaborative in care of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1505 E. 17th Ave., Suite 109, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Attn: Demetria Lee. Checks should be made payable to the Orange County Toy Collaborative.