‘Christmas in July’ Party Benefits Kids

When Warren Burnette heard that a holiday toy drive two years ago wound up with too few toys to give to too many needy children, he took matters into his own hands.

He and friend Roger West, who live in the same Van Nuys apartment building, began doing little things to help the Los Angeles Fire Department with its annual charity. When planning birthday parties, they would ask friends to eschew the traditional gift-giving in favor of buying a new toy for donation.

And Saturday, the two will host a “Christmas in July” party at their apartment building, which Burnette manages. The toys gathered will be given to firefighters, who then donate them to groups that help abused and neglected children and orphans.

Donating to charity in July is easier on the wallet than it is during the traditional November and December giving season, Burnette said.

“People have enough responsibilities getting gifts for their own families in December,” he said. “Putting on a ‘Christmas in July’ seemed like less of a burden to people.”

To foster the holiday spirit, the duo will host the party at 6 p.m. Saturday in the festively decorated lobby of their apartment building, 15353 Weddington St. in Van Nuys. In return for the donation of new, unwrapped toys, guests will be treated to food and live music.

Three area fire stations will also accept donations all day Saturday: station No. 39, 14415 Sylvan St., Van Nuys; station No. 83, 5001 Balboa Blvd., Encino; and station No. 88, 5101 Sepulveda Blvd., Sherman Oaks.