Organizers say they hope to make this year’s drive the biggest yet
The 18th annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive is set to return Dec. 7, offering a day of giveaways, holiday photo ops and community fundraising to support children across the Westside.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Muscle Beach in Venice. Presented by JWP and Icon Muscle and hosted by MusclePharm, the drive benefits the Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Division’s “Winter Wonderland Distribution Drive,” held at the division’s station the following week.
For 18 years, Muscle Beach has partnered with the Pacific Division to collect toys for families in Culver City, Venice, Santa Monica, Oakwood, Westchester and Marina del Rey. After the event, LAPD cruisers and SUVs will pick up the donated toys and deliver them to the station for distribution.
“This tradition has been going strong for 18 years, and it’s all about giving back to our local kids,” event producer Joe Wheatley said in a message promoting the drive.
Organizers are asking attendees to bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at about $20. The event will include a meet-and-greet with Santa and his “elvettes,” product giveaways from Legendary Foods, certificates of appreciation, red carpet-style interviews, event T-shirts, photo opportunities and a special ceremony at 1 p.m.
Organizers say they hope to make this year’s drive the biggest yet.
