CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY - ANNUAL "SPARK OF LOVE" TOY DRIVE

THIRD ANNUAL “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” TOY DRIVE TO TAKE
PLACE AT IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY JULY 6, 13, 20 & 27 …
LA COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS' “SPARK OF LOVE” KICK-OFF


Irwindale, Calif. - -  It's July, it's hot, the mornings are warm, the afternoons are boiling, and the evenings are just right for some heated NASCAR competition at Irwindale Speedway.  In addition to thoughts of scorching racing, sizzling hot dogs, and cool soft drinks ... If you listen closely enough, you can hear the feint jingle of sleigh bells ringing in the snow ... What?

No … You've not been out in the heat too long, it's Irwindale Speedway's third annual “Christmas in July” Toy Drive and it begins on Saturday July 6, when thoughts of the annual wintertime holiday season are usually furthest from everyone's (except maybe the people at Hallmark Cards) mind.

Working in conjunction with the LA County Fire Fighters and the LA County Department of Children and Family  Services, the Speedway will act as a collection depot for toys donated to the annual “Spark of Love” drive that's held annually in late November and December.  

the LA County Department of Children and Family  Services “A couple of years ago, we wanted to participate in the Toy Drive with our friends from LA County Fire,” explained Bob DeFazio, the track's GM.  “But our season winds up too early for fans to get involved in December, so we came up with the idea of 'Christmas in July'  ... And it's really taken off.  We were really pleased with the over 900 new toys that we got last year.”

Every fan bringing a new, unwrapped toy (suggested to be worth $15 or more) to the Speedway will get a $5.00 gift certificate good for admission, at the track's souvenir shops, or at any of the track's snackbars.  “Many of the track's regulars try to bring racing-related items (model cars, racing games, etc.) but all sorts of toys are welcome,”  said DeFazio.  “These toys are often the only Christmas presents that these youngsters receive.”

The track also presented the LA County Department of Children and Family  Services with a total of 1000 complimentary tickets, 250 for each weekend in July which they will distribute among their departments for less fortunate kids to be able to attend a race at the Speedway.  

Members of the LA County Board of Supervisors have indicated that they would be visiting one or more of the four special Saturday night NASCAR races in July.