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Published on 12/11/1995 All articles from this issue

Firefighters' toy collection for needy kids heats up

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By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

Los Altos firefighter Tom Alarcon lights up when he talks about the annual Los Altos Fire Department toy and canned food drive.

The firefighters are a drop-off point for toys and canned goods from Los Altos residents. They also go out into the community.

"We go to Christmas parties for people who have guests bring gifts," he said. "We go out with a fire truck. The host benefits - we show up with a fire truck. We benefit - we get a load of toys."

The program is about 15 years old, Alarcon said. Under his direction during the past six years, it has grown.

"We've enhanced it. It's probably doubled," he said.

The toy and food drive kicked off with the Los Altos parade of lights.

During that time, Alarcon usually takes from seven-to-10 truckloads of toys and food to the Community Services Agency.

"We do well here," he said.

People may bring in toys and canned food anytime, he said. The fire department is open 24 hours.

They accept new and "good used" toys, not wrapped. The toys to the shelves at the Santa Claus exchange where CSA clients come in and "shop" for toys.

The Los Altos Firefighters' toy and canned food drive continues until Dec. 21.