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Lefty O'Doul's Upholds San Francisco Toy Drive Tradition

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – Last minute shoppers won't be the only ones out and about in San Francisco's Union Square on Christmas Eve as an annual toy drive has kicked off at Lefty O'Doul's Restaurant and Lounge.

Lee Housekeeper, a spokesman for Lefty O'Doul's, said firefighters and police will be working with the Union Square landmark to collect toys from those passing by. He said the toys are then distributed to homeless and needy children around San Francisco.

"Police and fire personnel who are on the beat, who know their areas, know where to find them," he said. "Last year, we jumped on Station One's truck and drove around the Tenderloin. They spot people going out with their kids and just swoop down."

Housekeeper said they will have people stationed on the sidewalk near the establishment at 333 Geary, ready to take drive-by donations and run them inside. Those looking to donate can also call Luxor Cab and the company will pick up gifts and deliver them for free.

Housekeeper said the goal this year is to collect 10,000 toys. Last call for donations is 2 a.m. Christmas morning.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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