The fire was started by local New Mexico wildlife experts who only intended to clear away the underbrush on a few hundred acres. Instead the blaze, fanned on by powerful winds, burned out of control, torching more than 47,000 acres and 235 Los Alamos residents' homes. While the federal government and emergency rescue organizations focused their efforts on fighting the fire and providing shelter for those now homeless from the blaze, Chabad of Albuquerque set their sights on those frequently overlooked during such a disaster - the children.

Chabad emissary Rabbi Chaim Shmuckler organized a toy and book drive for the children who had lost their homes and playthings in the fire that was still raging. Together with Wolfe's, the local bagel store, they asked area residents to donate toys and receive some Kosher bagels in turn for their efforts. New Mexico residents responded with thousands of toys and books.

After collecting the booty, Chabad volunteers used trucks to bring items out to the family shelters, winning praise from the media for their hands-on approach.

"One look in the eyes of the grateful kids who received the toys and it made all the hard work worthwhile, " says Rabbi Shmuckler.