Toys for fire victims

Three years ago, Ashlee Smith lost all her possessions in a house fire. That’s when she noticed that charities tended to be geared toward assisting adults. Ever since, the 9-year-old has collected toys for children whose belongings have been devastated by natural disasters. Ashlee’s Toy Closet has dispersed more than 10,000 toys across the country.

“I know how [these kids] feel, and I want to give them something to help them smile again,” Ashlee said in a statement.

Now Ashlee is in need of donations for the children of Southern California, where fires have destroyed hundreds of homes. Items can be mailed to Ashlee’s Toy Closet Inc., c/o Custom Aire Inc., 2205 Glendale Ave., Suite 143, Sparks NV 89431.

--Corina Knoll

--Photo by Ericka Smith