Many City departments host holiday toy and clothing drives. The Club encourages Members to participate. (Many agencies were finalizing their plans at Alive! press time; please check their social media channels for the most current information.)
LAFD Spark of Love
The LAFD – and many other local fire departments – are collecting for their annual Spark of Love Toy Drive. Drop off unwrapped toys or sports equipment to any LAFD Fire Station, and they’ll take it from there.
This annual event is in its 33rd year and includes the major collection event Dec. 5 at Los Cerritos Center, traditionally from 4 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
To find your nearest LAFD station: https://www.lafd. org/fire-stations/station-results
LAPD Devonshire
The Devonshire Division plans its PALS toy drive, which in the past has collected nearly 1,000 toys, is set for Sat., Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. Toys will be accepted through Dec. 10. LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center, 8721 Wilbur Ave., Northridge.
LAPD Northeast
LAPD’s Northeast Station has given away up to 1,000 toys per year to area children living in poverty or other challenging situations. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for 3-to-12-year-old children to the station, 3353 N San Fernando Rd. Check social media for deadlines.
LAPD/Council District 2 North Hollywood
The North Hollywood Station plans to host its “Winter Wonderland” toy giveaway at Whitsett Park, 6907 Whitsett Ave. Unwrapped toy donations are requested at the Station, 11640 Burbank Blvd. Check social media for deadline.
To donate online: https://supportlafd.kindful. com/?campaign=1032876
LAPD Van Nuys
The Station plans its 11th annual toy drive and car show for Sat., Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Address: 6240 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys.
Rec and Parks Muscle Beach Toy Drive
Rec and Parks sponsors the 18th annual Muscle Beach toy drive from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk in Venice. A special presentation by Santa and his Elvettes is promised.
Immediately following the drive, LAPD cruisers and SUVs pick up all the donated toys and transport to their station. Donated toys help the kids in Culver City, Venice, Santa Monica, Oakwood, Westchester, and Marina Del Rey communities.
Sanitation Blanket and Sock Drive
Public Works/Sanitation and Environment is hosting its annual blankets and socks drive. Residents, businesses and City employees are encouraged to donate new and gently used — washed and clean — blankets, sleeping bags, quilts and socks at one of six designated collection sites. Through Jan. 2. Drop off at any of Sanitation’s drop-off sites in the West Valley, North Central, West LA, Harbor and the Public Works building downtown.
Council District 6 Toy Drive
Council District 6 is now accepting toy donations at both the Sun Valley office (9300 Lauren Canyon Blvd.) and Van Nuys (14410 Sylvan St.), 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The toy giveaway is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6.
Council District 3 Toy Drive
Bob Blumenfield holds an annual holiday event and toy drive, estimated this year to be held Thursday, Dec. 4. Information: (818) 774-4330.