Spark of Love Toy Drive Celebrates 21 Years of Giving

ABC7 and Southern California Firefighters are celebrating the 21st Anniversary of the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Over the past two decades, the Spark of Love Toy Drive has successfully collected more than 7 million toys. The campaign collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for under-served children and teens in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties. Toys collected in the respective counties are distributed locally. The goal is to exceed last years' collection of 500,000 toys. Those who wish to request toys may contact the following Spark of Love Toy Drive participants: Redlands Boys and Girls Club: 1251 Clay St.; 909-798-4599 Redlands Family Services: 612 Lawton St.; 909-793-2673. Those who wish to donate may drop toys off in Spark of Love Toy Drive collection boxes at the following locations: City of Redlands Fire Department Administration Office, 35 Cajon St., Suite 12, Redlands All City of Redlands Fire Stations Redlands Chiropractic, 620 Alabama St., Redlands Dr. Steven Wilson M.D., 1201 Brookside Ave., Redlands Stell Coffee & Tea Co., 1580 Barton Rd., Redlands JAM Sportswear, 325 Alabama St., Redlands Don’s Bicycles of Redlands, 700 E. Redlands Blvd., Suite B1, Redlands The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 528 Orange St., Redlands Provident Bank, 125 E. Citrus Ave., Redlands. Many donate toys for younger children, but typically the drive is short on teen and infant items. Here are some suggestions for teen items: Non Gender Specific * Gift Cards * Cameras * Watches * Jewelry * Sunglasses * Earbuds/earphones * Cellphone cases Boys * Skateboards * Razor scooters * Basketballs, soccer balls and footballs Girls * Cross-body purses/bags * Make-up brushes * Blow dryers * Flat irons * Hot iron tools.