Late Toy Drive Exceeds Expectations

A last-minute drive to ensure that the city’s needy children didn’t go without holiday presents was a big success, according to organizers.

The community-wide effort, led by Moorpark Catholic Charities and City Councilwoman Debbie Rodgers, resulted in about 2,100 toys being collected--far exceeding the goal of 1,500.

The community effort started earlier this month when the leaders of “Toys for Tots” told Catholic Charities that the program would not be able to supply Moorpark children with toys as they do most years because of “technical difficulties,” said Ruben Castro, coordinator.

Rodgers said several local organizations got involved, including the Moorpark Rotary Club and the Conejo Valley Assn. of Realtors. The Moorpark Police Department delivered the toys.