Spark of Love Toy Drive Continues through Christmas Eve

The Pasadena Fire Department has partnered with the ABC-7/ Spark of Love Toy Drive since its inception 28 years ago. 

This year, however, due to COVID-19, the annual toy drive will be a little different.

In previous years, Pasadena residents and businesses have been extremely supportive, enabling firefighters to distribute over 5,000 toys to underprivileged children last year alone. This was achieved through amazing supporters as well as local nonprofit organizations that held events to distribute toys to Pasadena’s many underserved children during the holiday season.

It’s been a challenging year, but the Fire Department is as committed as ever to meeting the needs of local children, especially this holiday season. 

However, in order to protect both our community and our firefighters, toys will not be collected at any of the city’s fire stations.

This change is an effort to not only protect those making donations and first responders, but also the children that will be receiving these toys. Unfortunately, the department does not have the ability to properly decontaminate all the toys prior to distributing them.

However, you can still help.

Below are a few suggestions that may work for your organization:

1. Donate new, unused toys by ordering from your favorite online retailer and having them delivered directly to the nonprofit of your choice. This is to limit the number of people coming into contact with the toys, making this event as safe as possible. You may also make a financial donation to a nonprofit so they can make the necessary purchases for the children they are supporting. We have provided contact information for all participating Pasadena non-profits here (https://www.cityofpasadena.net/fire). You will find not only their contact information to learn more about their organization but also the age and gender of the children, as well as when and how they will be distributing the toys.
2. Purchase gift cards from any participating Pasadena business. A gift card drive is a great way to have you and your employees continue to participate in the program while spending your dollars locally. Gift cards can be dropped off at the Fire Administration Office (address listed below). If you’re unable to drop them off, send us an email and we’ll arrange pickup in a safe manner.
3. You also have the option to order toys from your favorite online retailer and have them delivered directly to the Fire Administration Office. Again, for everyone’s safety, please do not drop off toys at any Pasadena fire station.

The Pasadena Fire Department is grateful to have amazing supporters and appreciates all people have done in the past. Please know that we absolutely cannot do it without your continued support. Together, we can still make this a great season for the children in our community. With our sincere gratitude in advance, thank you and Happy Holidays!

If there are any questions, contact Veronica Petty at (626) 744-4112 or email her at vpetty@cityofpasadena.net. The address for delivery of toys or gift cards is Pasadena Fire Department, Fire Administration, 215 N. Marengo Ave., Suite 195, Pasadena, CA 91101.