Helping to spread love, hope and joy to families fighting cancer, “From Maddi’s Closet” is joining with Coldwell Banker Alliance Realty in a toy drive to buoy the spirits of children battling this terrible disease over the holidays.

“From Maddi’s Closet” is a nonprofit organization based in La Mirada that was founded when Donna Holmes’ 3-year-old daughter, Madison Holmes, was taken by the disease on Thanksgiving Day 2003.

Donated toys should be for children ages 0-18 who are battling pediatric cancer at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and beyond. Ideal toys consist of books, dolls, Play-Doh, CDs and videos (PG-13 and under), board games, card games, Barbies, Hot Wheels, coloring books, crayons, puzzles, etc. However no stuffed toys because of the possibility of bacteria contamination around the sick children.

All new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Coldwell Banker Alliance Realty, 15025 E. Whittier Blvd. in Whittier. For more information visit www.frommaddiscloset.org or www.cballiancerealestate.com