Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles firefighters gathered with volunteers Saturday at the Manhattan Civic Center to launch the 26th Annual Beach Cities Toy Drive. Organizer Pete Tucker commented that when Hermosa Beach contracted with Los Angeles County for fire services last year, he made County Fire Chief Daryl Osby promise the Hermosa station would continue to participate in the toy drive. Toys that are left at the Hermosa and Manhattan Beach fire and police stations will be distributed to local charities, including the Richstone Family Center, St. Cross 1736 Crisis Center, the Salvation Army and the Harbor UCLA Child Crisis Center. Hermosa Cyclery donates two dozen bicycles each year in memory of their founder Harold “Schu” Schumaker. The Hermosa Chamber donates toys it collects as admission to its annual holiday mixer, prior to the Hermosa Tree Lighting. This year’s tree lighting is Sat., Dec. 1 on pier Plaza at 6 p.m.
The Beach Cities Toy Drive gift wrapping part is Saturday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. ‘til the toys are wrapped at the Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, 1601 N. Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach. If possible, bring scissors, tape and wrapping paper. For more information email BeachCitiesToyDrive@gmail.com. ER
