In the midst of the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, the Burbank Fire Department asks members of the community to bring a new unwrapped toy or gift to donate at the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 7, at 6:00 p.m. on the front steps of City Hall, located at 275 E. Olive Ave. Burbank firefighters and Little Squirt will collect unwrapped toys, gifts and sporting goods from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Santa will arrive at the party on Burbank Fire Truck 11. Entertainment at the event includes Mickey and Minnie Mouse, dancers, singers and more. After the ceremony, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m.
“Everything collected is distributed to our local families within Burbank,” commented Captain Peter Hendrickson of the Fire Prevention Bureau. “Toys are distributed through the Burbank Temporary Aid Center and the Family Service Agency of Burbank.”
The Burbank Bob Hope Airport Police and Fire Departments are also accepting donations for Spark of Love, with collection boxes in the main terminal Police substation and at the airport Fire Department.
“We get a lot of toys for younger children, ” commented Capt. Chad Peterson of the Airport Fire Department. “but are always short on teen and infant items.”
Suggested items for teens include: MP3s, cameras, watches, jewelry, sunglasses, earbuds, cell phone cases, skateboards, Razor scooters, sports equipment, purses, bags, make-up brushes, blow dryers, flat irons and hot iron tools.
The Burbank Fire Department continues to collect toys and gifts for children and teens in the community of Burbank at every Fire Station through December 24. The Spark of Love is a Southern California toy collection campaign and partnership between ABC7 and local fire departments to provide holiday cheer for underserved area children and teens.
