Toy drive gets big response

The auto industry, especially General Motors, has taken its lumps this year, yet the giving spirit is alive and well here in the Bay Area, and the toys are flooding in.

"We are doing a toy drive and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is going to benefit from our toy drive. We have a goal of a thousand toys," says Renata Dipaola, business development director of Buick Century.

This is the first year for Night of a Thousand Toys, a 30-day toy drive sponsored by Buick Century to help abused children.

"It's always important to give back. We are very fortunate, and in these tough times, we have to share with the people in our community that are less fortunate," Dipaola said.

David Braughton, president of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, says if there was ever a need, it is during this Christmas season.

"We serve children who many of who are in foster care families that are broken and who have suffered abuse. And for many of them, without these toys, there would be no Christmas," Braughton said.

This toy drive so far has already become overwhelming. The response they've had here has already exceeded their expectations.

"We have a great community here in Tampa Bay, and it's been amazing the people who have come and donated a toy," Dipaola said.

Century Buick's toy drive wraps up December 15th. The next day they'll load up all the toys and have a caravan to the crisis center where some very excited kids will be waiting.