Every year, fire departments all across Southern California collect toys to distribute to needy boys and girls.
This annual holiday toy drive, called “Spark of Love”, runs from just after Thanksgiving to Dec. 24. In previous years, the Santa Monica Fire Department received donations only at its four firehouses and relied on local television channel ABC7 to provide publicity for the drive.
This year, the Santa Monica Airport Association is excited to begin a new charitable giving partnership with the Santa Monica Fire Department. The SMAA’s participation will enable the local drive to more than double the number of collection points.
Especially needed are toys, games, books, school supplies and items appropriate for ages ranging from young kids to teens aged 14 to 18. The SMFD has asked that all donations be unwrapped and valued at $10 or more.
Five Santa Monica Airport locations have volunteered to sponsor donation boxes. Donations can be made now at the Santa Monica Museum of Flying (3021 Airport Ave.), Pilot Outfitters at the Barker Hanger (3100 Airport Ave.), the SMO Administrative Offices (3233 Donald Douglas Loop South), The Spitfire Grill (3300 Airport Ave.), and Atlantic Aviation Inc., (2828 Donald Douglas Loop North).
“The Santa Monica Airport Association looks forward to working with the Santa Monica Fire Department on the Spark of Love Toy Drive in the years to come and hopes to build on this year’s success to expand the number of drop off locations and the number of gifts donated to this worthy cause,” said Bill Worden, SMAA President. “We encourage you to give generously to the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Help Santa Monica’s needy children and teens to have a happy holiday season.”
The Santa Monica Airport Association is an all-volunteer organization that conducts activities and projects that promote and improve General Aviation and the Santa Monica Municipal Airport.
For more than 25 years, the SMAA has supported youth programs and other charitable activities that benefit the communities surrounding the airport.
