An annual Skid Row toy giveaway event is facing a severe shortage this year: not enough children are showing up to claim them.
The Fred Jordan Missions says it gave away about 10,000 toys at their Dec. 8 event, and it was left with about 30,000 new toys to give.
Last year, the mission faced the opposite problem: too many kids showed up and left empty-handed.
The mission is inviting children and their families to show up to a second event at 10 a.m. Saturday, where organizers say each youngster will receive a bag containing more than three toys.
"We just want to make sure these toys get to needy children," said mission spokeswoman Suzanna Tashiro Choi.
Tashiro Choi says they'll be giving away skateboards, scooters, basketballs, dolls, stuffed animals, video games and more.
The event, which has been held for 70 years, will be held at 445 Towne Avenue in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. Another event will be held on Christmas Eve.
Thousands of people are expected. Tashiro Choi recommends arriving early.
More Southern California Stories:
- $20 Million Lawsuit Against LAPD
- It's Schmooz-a-Palooza Time
- Molotov Cocktail Thrown at Officers
- Father Killed, Daughter Injured in Freeway Crash
- Korean War Vet's Remains Returned
- LAX Busier Than Last Holiday Season
- Parking Lot Scammers Target Elderly
- Passengers Trying to Bring Guns Into Airports Doubles
Photo Credit: Suzanna Tashiro Choi