Sunday morning, December 3, 2023, brought the joy and happiness of a bountiful Christmas to many children this holiday season with hope for a holiday full of promise and shiny new toys.
Tri-Community residents brought their unwrapped gifts to the Rite Aid in Phelan, where San Bernardino Fire Stations 10 and 14 were on hand to collect toys for distribution to local children who may go through the holiday season with truly little. A widely held belief is that Santa’s elves make all the toys. Still, many presents will come from events like the “Spark of Love,” presented annually by television Channel Seven Eyewitness News and many generous donors.
Spearheading the operation, Firefighter Ryan Murphy organized this effort of kindness for San Bernardino County Fire and the “Fill The Boot” toy drive. Kathy Hoffman, Honorary Mayor of Phelan and Chairperson of the “Angel Tree” gifting drive, was on hand keeping the toy-raising running smoothly. Miss Phelan Court was also present, sharing holiday cheer. Truly a group occasion, the Tri-Community Toy Chest was also on site. Mayor Kathy Hoffman said, “I would like to thank the Tri-Community for its continued support and generosity.”
Thanks to Captain Martin and the Firefighter Paramedics of San Bernardino Fire Station 10, The SoCal Batman, Sparky, the Firefighter mascot, and one busy Santa Claus, This year’s “Spark of Love” event was a holiday success. Our proud community of Phelan, Pinon Hills, and Wrightwood turned out to donate unwrapped gifts to be collected and distributed by the “Spark of Love” representatives.
As ambassadors to the event, the commendable efforts by Adam Chacon and the CTE Fire students, San Bernardino Fire Explorers, and their volunteers deserve credit for their participation in this holiday lifesaver. These promotions provide a great chance to meet and thank these ambitious individuals who do so much for our community. All Fire personnel were in uniform, ready to respond to a call, as often the team would have to abruptly leave during many events.
The Rite Aid parking area resembled a Fire and ambulance response in downtown Phelan except for Santa Claus waving to the cars driving by on the corner of Sheep Creek and Phelan Roads. The SoCal Batman and his No Bullying campaign rolled into the parking lot to spread his message of kindness on his Bat Mobile Chopper. The safest place in town, Sparky the Fire Rescue dog, was taking selfies and photo opportunities like celebrities in canine costumes do.
This event has become a holiday staple as increased endeavors of kindness seem needed every year. “It is a different way of giving back to the community, especially during the holidays.” Said Firefighter Paramedic Wade Jester. Firefighter Paramedic Ambulance Operator Alexis Andrade mentioned that San Bernardino Fire Station 10 at 9625 Beekley Rd. in Pinon Hills will accept unwrapped gifts until December 20th. Residents may also call 2-1-1 for information on toy drives in their area.
The Spark of Love campaign has collected over ten million toys for needy children in Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Ventura counties. The toys collected are distributed locally in their respective counties. San Bernardino County Fire, ABC Channel 7, The Marine Corps, and many generous sponsors believe this will be the largest Spark of Love ever.
