A summer electrical fire cost the Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland roughly 2,000 toys that had been set aside for about 1,000 children in the region.
The blaze happened at a storage unit used to hold donated toys collected throughout the year, according to Nate Berkey, the organization's donor relations director. The lost inventory was valued at an estimated $30,000.
Captain Joel Ashcraft, area commander, described the loss as devastating for the community.
The disclosure comes as the nonprofit runs its Christmas assistance campaign. It reports a goal of 15,000 toys to cover demand in Cuyahoga County and says it expects to serve more than 6,500 children. Berkey said the agency wants this season to match last year, when toys reached more than 6,000 children.
Berkey also said Cleveland has the highest child poverty rate among large cities at 51%, framing the drive as a response to need rather than an optional gesture.
Ways to help include organizing a toy drive at a business, buying from the Walmart Virtual Toy Registry at WalmartAngelTree.com, or adopting an Angel Tree recipient at a participating Walmart between Nov. 14 and Dec. 15. A Baldassarre Orchestra holiday concert on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. will collect toys. Organizers say items priced $20 to $30 are especially useful. Financial gifts and details are available at 216-861-8185 or SalvationArmyCleveland.com.