Would you like to bless a child in need this holiday season? There are several toy drives now taking place throughout the First District. Here are a few:
- Most San Bernardino County Fire Department stations are now accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for their annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, a partnership with ABC7 and the Children’s Fund. The department does not provide toys directly to individuals, but distributes them to nonprofits throughout the County. Upcoming events will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Walgreens in Hesperia, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rite Aid in Phelan, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Kaiser in Hesperia, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at Walmart in Hesperia.
- Victor Valley Transit Authority’s annual “Stuff the Bus” event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 3. Community members are invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys to benefit the Victor Valley Rescue Mission’s annual “Great Christmas Toy Giveaway.” Drop-off is at Walmart locations on Main Street in Hesperia, Highway 18 in Apple Valley and Amargosa Road in Victorville. For more information, visit facebook.com/Officialvvta
- High Desert Second Chance is seeking sponsors for its annual Christmas Toy Drive. The goal is to provide Christmas gifts to 2,000 local, underprivileged children. If your business, school site, or program is interested in hosting a Toy Drive collection box, please call 442-267-4444 or email hdscprograms@gmail.com.
- A Greater Hope’s annual “Holiday of Hope” Toy Drive is underway through Dec. 12. Local businesses, schools, churches and service groups are invited to host a toy collection box at their location. Community members may also purchase a gift directly from their Amazon Wish List. For more information, please visit https://aghope.org/en/toy-drive-info
- Rock’n Our Disabilities Foundation is hosting its 4th annual Toy Drive. All local businesses are invited to put up a collection box to benefit special needs families throughout the High Desert. Community members can also drop off a new-unwrapped toy between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays at 13558 Palm Street in Hesperia. For more information, please call 760-998-2242.
- The Phelan Chamber of Commerce is accepting gifts for its annual Angel Tree program. Angel Trees are decorated with paper “Little Angels” which have the first name, age, and gender of a child in need of presents. Donors remove one or more “Little Angels” from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child. “Little Angels” will be available through Dec. 10 Mills Hardware, Mama Maria’s Grill, Phelan-Pinon Hills CSD, Pizza Factory, Desert Community Bank in Phelan & Wrightwood, Coldwell Banker and Rick’s Roadside Cafe. The event takes place on Dec. 16. If you have any questions, please call Kathy at 760-835-9006 or Cheryl at 760-868-8000.
- Wicked Kustomz Car Club is hosting a “Fill the Firetruck” Toy Drive & Car Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9. The event will take place at the Hesperia Elks Lodge #2646, located at 9202 E Avenue, Hesperia. Guests are invited to enjoy the classic cars while donating to a good cause. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. Pictures with Santa will take place from 12-3 p.m.
- Phelan’s Spark of Love Fill the Boot event is planned from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Phelan Rite Aid parking lot. Community members are invited to donate cash or unwrapped toys. On Dec. 8, Mama Maria’s Grill is hosting a fundraiser for the Angel Tree program, donating 20 percent of all sales to purchase gifts for children in need.
- The Hesperia Community Farmer’s Market Annual Toy Drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. They will be collecting toys for underprivileged children (toys must be new & unwrapped). Every toy donation will receive a raffle ticket. The Grinch will be available for photos from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Photos printed on the spot for $5. The market is at 15833 Smoke Tree Street, Hesperia.
- Whiskey Barrel in Hesperia is hosting a Toy Drive at 1 p.m. Dec. 10. Bring in new, unwrapped toys to benefit the Victor Valley Rescue Mission. The event will also feature the Raiders vs. Vikings football game, with special guest Mike Alexander (#89). He will be on site to watch the game and sign autographs/take photos.