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In a world where countless children lack access to the basic joys of play and learning, The TOY Project steps in to bridge the gap. This year, we are proud to support The TOY Project, a charity dedicated to bringing opportunities to children who need them most. Here’s why we are supporting them and why their mission resonates with us.
The History of The TOY Project
Founded in 2013 by Jane Garfield and Angela Donovan, The TOY Project began as a small, part-time operation in Jane’s living room. Jane, a primary school teacher, noticed the disparity in toy availability among children and schools, while Angela aimed to provide toys for bereaved children, supporting play therapists in their work. The initiative soon outgrew its initial space, moving to a community centre in Finsbury Park, and later, in 2016, to a pop-up shop in Archway. The success of the pop-up shop led to a permanent location on Junction Road, which expanded again to accommodate their growing operations, including weekly Lego workshops!
What Does The TOY Project Do?
The TOY Project operates on the premise that every child deserves to play, learn, and grow. Here's a glimpse into their impactful work:
Recycling Toys: The TOY Project recycles unwanted toys and distributes them to children in need.
Encouraging Learning Through Play: By funding Lego workshops, art workshops, and storytelling sessions, The TOY Project fosters creativity and education.
Raising Funds for Community Projects: The charity funds initiatives like toy and book libraries, murals, and community events, establishing the environments where children live and learn.
Who Does The TOY Project Support?
The TOY Project's reach is vast, touching the lives of children and families in various circumstances. They support:
- Schools and nurseries
- Hospitals and hospices
- Bereavement centres
- Community centres
- Migrant, refugee, and women’s refuge centres
- Prisons and families of prisoners
- Homeless families
- Looked after children
- Children with complex needs
- Financially struggling families
Their support extends beyond London and the UK, with toys being sent to children in India, Africa, and the Caribbean!
How Does The TOY Project Operate?
The TOY Project thrives on the generosity of individuals, families, businesses, and organisations. They accept donations of new and used toys and, additionally, they raise funds through their shop by selling some of the donated toys.
How Can You Support The TOY Project?
There are many ways to support The TOY Project and contribute to their mission, including making a financial donation on our checkout page!
The Difference The Toy Project Makes
Headteacher at a primary school: “The generous donation of toys from the Toy Project have brought great joy to many children and will continue to do so for years to come. At a time when many families are under pressure and children’s lives are too often not happy, this donation of toys has lifted the spirits of children, parents and staff. On behalf of all recipients, we can’t thank you enough.”
Young Lives vs Cancer, Charity: “The Toy Project helped us provide essential toys for a child undergoing treatment for a tumour. This really helps for the child to have plenty of stimulation and distraction, supporting their development, whilst they undergo major treatment in hospital. Families are always really appreciative of that extra financial help to get toys for their children, as cancer and tumours can take a huge financial toll”
Family Support Practitioner: “I worked with a mother and baby who had no toys or books at all, and their provision of a large range of good quality items will make a big difference to the mother being able to support her baby’s play and learning.”
Supporting The TOY Project means making a tangible difference in the lives of children who need it most. Join us in championing this charity and their mission to ensure every child experiences the joy of play!