Economy Affects Orange County Christmas Toy Drive

The Newport Beach Fire Department distributed about 148,000 toys to needy children throughout Orange County during the Christmas season, a slight decrease from the amount collected in 2010, a fire official reported.

The final number of donations collected through the Orange County Toy Collaborative—a partnership of several local agencies—was released last week, according to Jennifer Schulz, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Fire Department. Approximately 148,261 toys were collected through the 2011 fundraising efforts and were distributed to 298 charities. In 2010, nearly 200,208 toys were collected and distributed to 303 charities.

"I think these numbers reflect the tough economic times. However Newport Beach residents are still extremely generous," Schulz said. "We still received thousands of toys that were truly needed and we really appreciate all of those people who donated to this cause."

Every Christmas, the Orange County Toy Collaborative works to give more than 250,000 toys to needy children throughout Orange County. The collaborative is a partnership of the Orange County Firefighters' Spark of Love toy drive, the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program, Orange County Social Service Agency's Operation Santa Claus program and the St. Vincent de Paul holiday charities program.