Christmas Toy Drives or Donate Your Time in Los Angeles, CA

This holiday season mixed with the bad economy may have increased your desire to 'give back' or donate this month. Donating your time or money is an honorable deed; however, sometimes it may be hard for first timers to figure out who, what, or where to donate.
A variety of Los AngelesCounty non-profit organizations and businesses have put out the call for citizens who want to help by donating toys, money or clothing during this holiday season.

Who: Toys for Tots
Where: Knotts's Berry Farm theme park.
When: December 13^th, 14^th, 20^th, or 21^st
Reward: Free admission to the park.
What to do: Bring an unwrapped gift valued at $10 or more. The toys donated will be distributed by U.S. Marine Corps Reserve personnel to underserved children throughout Southern California.

http://www.knotts.com/index.shtml

Who: Los AngelesFireDepartment- Spark of Love
Where: Any fire station in Southern California.
When: Any day prior to Christmas day.
Locate your local FD: http://www.lafd.org/fsloc.htm
Reward: LA Sparks Home Court Advantage members receive 2,000 rewards points with each donated toy towards your HCA account (up to 20,000 points).
Additional location:
Los Angeles Sparks

888 South Figueroa St., Ste 2010, Los Angeles, CA. (213) 929-1300.
When: December 13^th - December 22^nd, 2008. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
What to do: Bring a new unwrapped toy or sporting good valued at $10 or more.
Spark of Love receipients are chosen in advance by community and child service organizations. Families experiencing a sudden catastrophic loss are also aided by Spark of Love.
http://www.lafd.org/index.htm

Who: Antelope Valley Boy Scout Service Center
Where: 42402 10th Street West, Suite G, Lancaster, CA.
When: Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call for other drop locations (661) 903.1335.
What to do: Bring in toys, video games and stuffed animals. Used gaming systems and video games in good condition. Toys must be new and unwrapped.
Items donated go to the AV Hospital Pediatric Ward and other local organizations.
http://antelopevalley.bsa-la.org/index.html

Who: Angel Project Food
Where: 922 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA.
When: All year round.
What to do: Make a single gift donation of $10, $100, or any amount.
To volunteer call (323) 845-1816.
Project Angel Food delivers meals to men, women and children with life threatening illnesses.
http://www.angelfood.org/

Who: Food on Foot
Where: 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.Hollywood, CA.
When: Clothing donations are accepted every Sunday between 10:30am - 2:30pm. Volunteer - Distribute pre-packaged food and clothing on Sundays at 3:15 P.M.
Donation by mail: 9663 Santa Monica Blvd. #743, Beverly Hills, CA90210.
What to do: Donate your previously worn shoes and clothing (infant to adult sizes) and blankets.
http://www.foodonfoot.org/

Remember all donations are tax deductible. In addition, please remember to give teenage appropriate gifts as well.