Riverside Fire Department personnel Monday established drop-off locations citywide where they’re hoping people will leave new, unwrapped toys for needy kids as part of this Holiday Season’s “Spark of Love Toy Drive,” which runs to Christmas Eve.
The annual event is intended to collect gifts for youths 1-16 years old in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties.
In the last nearly 30 years, Spark of Love has led to more than 9 million gift donations, according to organizers.
ABC7 partners with fire agencies throughout the region to make the event possible.
In addition to toys, people can donate gift cards, blankets, sports gear and similar items for underprivileged children, organizers said.
In past years, city of Riverside firehouses provided drop-off bins. However, there are now designated locations where people can leave gifts, generally anytime between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.:
— Arlanza Community Center, 7950 Philbin Ave.;
— Chavez Community Center, 2060 University Ave.;
— Jackson Community Center, 5505 Dewey Ave.;
— La Sierra Community Center, 5215 La Sierra Ave.;
— Lewis Community Center, 701 N. Orange St.;
— Orange Terrace Community Center, 20010 Orange Terrace Parkway;
— Renck Community Center, 4015 Jackson St.;
— Stratton Community Center, 2008 MLK Blvd.; and
— Villegas Community Center, 3091 Esperanza St.
Toy drive sponsors, including businesses, are welcome, and information about establishing a donation site is available by contacting Gina Perez with the fire department at 951-826-5334.