Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station deputies have joined forces with county firefighters and California Highway Patrol officers in collecting toys for children of needful mountain area families. Noting that over 200 toys had been collected recently at Walmart, Sheriff’s Service Specialist Tammy Ringhoffer said, “We’re delighted to be able to help them with their toy drive.”

According to Lake Arrowhead Fire Station 91 Paramedic Marco Garcia, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and CHP officers will be hosting a drive-through toy collection event at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. “In previous years,” Garcia told The Alpine Mountaineer, “we had collection boxes set up at each of our fire stations, but due to the pandemic we are doing the drive-through instead.” He added that “children will be able to have their picture taken with a firefighter, deputy or officer.”

CHP Public Affairs Officer Jacob Griede said that his agency had collected even more toys to be given out to local children.

When asked what types of toys are wanted, Garcia said any kind of toy that’s unwrapped and appropriate for boys and girls aged 8 to 15 is desired.

He said all toys will be isolated for seven days in order to be COVID-19 compliant. “These are difficult times; it’s been a tough year and children are affected. We’re doing what we can with what we have.”

Firefighters were stationed at Stater Bros. in Lake Arrowhead from 9 a.m. to 12 noon last Friday collecting toys and cash donations from many generous customers. Shortly before noon, two shopping carts had been filled with a wide assortment of toys and “a decent amount of cash donations,” Garcia said.

Six-year-old Forest, who is studying at home through Valley of Enchantment Elementary School, was given a red helmet and declared a Junior Firefighter. “I feel good about being a firefighter,” Forest exclaimed.