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. Although there are other worthwhile toy drives, Spark of Love is the only one created and operated by firefighters.
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 24nd anniversary of the Firefighters’ Spark of Love campaign, which runs from November 21 through December 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 Avenue, Suite 109, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Attn: Demetria Lee. Checks should be made payable to the Orange County Toy Collaborative.
Toy Request/Family Referral sheets are available at all Orange County Fire Stations and at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul office at 1505 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 109, Santa Ana, CA 92705.