Toy library boosted by grant

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Vivienne Lloyd, Coordinator of the Kyogle Anglican Church Toy Library, was clearly very pleased to receive a cheque for $5,000 to put toward new toys for the library, when the cheque from Anglicare North Coast was presented on 15 February.
The money, a grant from Anglicare, is the second amount of $5,000 received by the toy library from the organisation.  The first was used to establish the library twelve months ago, and this second grant will enable the library to greatly expand its collection.
Viv told the NRTT that the toy library was established twelve months ago when then Minister Reverend Hope Bennett became aware of grants being available through Anglicare for projects serving a valuable community purpose. A grant was applied for and received and, in its first twelve months, the library has attracted fifty members. “We can’t thank Anglicare enough for getting us started and now for this grant this year,” Viv said.
Viv, and the other volunteers involved with the Toy Library, will consult mothers and borrowers before making a decision on what new toys are purchased with the donation. “The toys we buy are good toys,” said Viv, “a lot of people are finding it hard now and they appreciate that good toys are available from the library.”
The library already has an extensive range of toys available for hire.  These range from wooden blocks to playground equipment (such as the ‘wave rider’), and includes, activity centres, toy musical instruments, toy computers, other educational toys, a large range of ride on cars and bikes, and much more.  “Mums must get in and have a look at our range,” said Viv.
Family membership of the library costs $10, then toys range in price from $1 to $10 per week, averaging $3 to $5. All toys are cleaned and inspected, and batteries are checked, before they are re-hired. The library is open Monday to Friday from 10am to about 3pm, and can be opened by special arrangement on Saturday.
Readers wanting information on the library, or on how to join, should contact Viv on 6632  2806 or Betty on 6632 1744.