First City CU, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), has announced its “Christmas in July” toy drive. This initiative aims to replenish the toy inventory for the DPSS Toy Loan Program, which has been serving the Los Angeles County community since the 1930s.
In March 2023, the program faced a devastating fire that damaged its downtown Los Angeles warehouse, severely impacting its toy inventory. As DPSS recovers from both the pandemic and the fire, it continues to seek public, private, and corporate donations to support its services to families in Los Angeles County.
The DPSS Toy Loan Program began during the Great Depression as a community effort in Westchester, Los Angeles. The program allows children from low-income families to borrow toys from community centers, much like borrowing books from a library.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the program operated approximately 50 Toy Loan Centers (TLCs), serving an average of 30,000 children annually. This initiative has historically received support from notable figures such as Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and actor Edward James Olmos.
First City CU (the credit union for DPSS) and all Los Angeles County employees is leading the “Christmas in July” toy drive to help replenish the Toy Loan Program’s inventory. Donations can be made at any First City branch throughout the month of July.
“We’re excited to support the DPSS Toy Loan Program through our ‘Christmas in July’ toy drive,” said Nav Khanna, CEO of First City CU. “When we learned of the fire that destroyed the children’s toys, we knew we had to help replenish their supply to continue bringing joy and learning to children across LA County. This is how we show we’re Angelenos helping Angelenos who serve.”
“The support from our credit union, First City, is invaluable as we work to rebuild our toy inventory and continue serving the children and families who rely on our services,” said Shannon Denby, administrative services manager from DPSS. “This partnership is a testament to the power of community and collaboration.”
How to Donate
Community members are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to any First City Credit Union branch. To locate a branch near you, please visit First City Credit Union’s website.
About First City Credit Union
First City CU was officially founded on September 28, 1937 as Los Angeles County Employees Number 11 Federal Credit Union, with 65 members and a grand total of $149 in deposits. Today, with more than 56,000 members, $900 million in assets, and 13% in capital, and an unparalleled commitment to the financial wellness of its member owners, First City is one of America’s strongest financial institutions. Visit www.firstcitycu.org to learn more about First City Credit union.
