That’s the spirit!

'Tis the season to donate.

For some kids, the holidays rarely mean a haul of presents, regardless of whether they’ve been naughty or nice. Organizations across Los Angeles County are holding annual toy drives to help level the playing field for the region’s underserved, sick and homeless children.  Here are just a few organizations that are currently seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys to spread holiday cheer.

For 20 years now, Southern California Firefighters have spearheaded “Spark of Love,” a drive that has collected more than 7 million toys for underserved children and teens in the region. Drop off toys and sports equipment at your local fire station or CVS Pharmacy. You can also donate online, and your full contribution will go to toys.

Maybe it’s something about wearing a uniform that makes people want to hand out toys each winter, because the Los Angeles Police Department also holds annual toy drives. Locally, you can donate to the Devonshire Police Activity League Supporters in Northridge. The deadline for donation is Friday, December 14, or you can volunteer at the giveaway on December 15 at 9 a.m. Call 818-885-6432 for details.

Friday, December 14, is also the last day to donate to Children’s Hospital. Call 323-361-8397 for a drop off location.

Children’s Action Network is doing its first ever toy roundup this year with “SantaCAN,” which aims to give kids in Los Angeles County foster homes a holiday to remember. Until December 20, donors can purchase gifts from their online registry. The gifts are taken from wish lists made by the children, so you’ll see what you’re buying and the first name and age of the child who chose it.

The Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic and The Toy Drive for Children are holding their 30^th Annual Holiday Toy Drive. This year’s theme is reducing childhood obesity, so they are encouraging gifts that encourage exercise, like basketballs and soccer balls, for underserved children in the community.

And don’t let the calendar dictate your season of giving. You can donate year-round to Los Angeles County’s Toy Loan Program. Sponsored by the Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Social Services, this program allows children to borrow toys from a Toy Loan Center in much the same way they would check out a library book. Click here for the details.