Firefighters to Start Toy Drive Sunday

Ventura County firefighters will kick off their Spark of Love Toy Drive on Sunday with a fire engine caravan that will stop in Camarillo, Ventura, Ojai and Thousand Oaks to drop off collection boxes and pick up toys.

The Ventura County Public Social Services Agency will receive the toys and distribute them to needy children.

Firefighters collected more than 26,000 toys last holiday season.

“Last year we were out there delivering toys on Christmas Day to people who lived in their cars,” said Joe Luna, a Fire Department spokesman.

The caravan will make its way Sunday to the following locations:

* Ventura--Buenaventura Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

* Ojai--Ojai fire station from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

* Camarillo--Sav-On store on Carmen Drive from 3:30 to 3:45 p.m.

* Camarillo--Sav-On store on Mission Oaks Boulevard from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

* Thousand Oaks--Club Disney on Westlake Boulevard from 5 to 6 p.m.

A celebration will take place at Club Disney with Smokey Bear, Club Disney characters, the Mustang Owner Car Club and elected officials.

Community members are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or sporting equipment to one of the caravan stops or to their local fire stations through Dec. 29.

“It really gives you a sense of community,” Luna said.

“During the holidays, people recognize they are blessed and figure, why not share it?”