OC non-profit seeking warehouse space to distribute toys for the holidays

COSTA MESA, Calif. (KABC) -- One of Southern California's largest holiday toy programs is in need themselves for a Christmas-spirit miracle. The Orange County Toy Collaborative is seeking warehouse space to house and distribute toys collected for children and families.

Orange County Fire Service agencies, the U.S. Marines Reserve Toys for Tots program, St Vincent DePaul Charities of OC and the Orange County Social Services Agency, which all make up the OC's largest non-profit toy collection program, are hoping to find a location at least from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 in the central part of the county.

The groups collect and distribute toys through programs including ABC7's Spark of Love and the Marines Toys for Tots, but their current warehouse is now facing demolition.

The collaborative said it can provide the required insurance, staffing, and funds for a short-term lease or a long-term plan to help get toys in the hands of Orange County kids in need.

Officials at the program said they are open to sharing space, but at a minimum would need two access points to a warehouse space or retail location - one for collection and one for distribution of toys - a large storage area, parking spaces for support staff, power and water and restroom access.

They would provide their own refuse collection for trash, remove all debris and, if required, provide security.

The Orange County Toy Collaborative works with more than 380 organizations requesting items for kids in need, which would equal to over 400,000 toys.

To help, contact Michelle Rudaitis at michelle.rudaitis@fountainvalley.org or Alex Laredo at alejandro.laredo@usmc.mil.