Toy Lending Library Helps Children Develop New Skills

The Salvation Army in Guelph, Ont., in collaboration with Hand Print Kids, offers a free Toy Lending Library to support families who need toys to promote their child’s development. The toys can be borrowed for two weeks, and the toy selection is rotated every seven weeks.

In 2021, Occupational Therapist with Hand Print Kids, Carol Peachey-Hill, was looking for an available space to offer her services. She ended up connecting with the Guelph Citadel, a place that she remembers fondly because it showed her the importance of community support.

“I have a special connection to The Salvation Army. My daughters attended preschool here 18 to 20 years ago,” Carol said.

“In 2005, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shortly after I had started chemotherapy, The Salvation Army reached out. They wanted me to come to the church. When I arrived, I saw a group of women cooking meals for me. I was overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity. This defining moment revealed to me the importance of community and of giving back.”

After connecting with the Army to discuss the possibility of offering therapeutic services, Carol toured the church along with Major Peter van Duinen, church pastor. During her tour, Carol had the idea for the toy library.

“I revisited the preschool rooms my daughters attended, and I saw tables filled with toys. Major Peter was trying to decide what to do with these toys. At that moment, I suggested a toy lending library,” Carol said.

“I want to thank our volunteers. Without them, the library would not be open.”

In addition, Carol believes that play is a fundamental human right for children, per the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

With the help of Majors Lee-Ann and Peter van Duinen, the Toy Lending Library launched in the summer of 2022, inside the Loft Children’s Library located at the church.

All the toys in the library are analyzed for their potential therapeutic benefit. The toys help children with different stages of their development. This initiative also helps parents that may not be able to afford to buy toys for their children.

The toy library is run by dedicated volunteers who maintain a database that categorizes all the toys available. Each toy comes with a description card that identifies its potential benefits and includes tips to promote family fun time.

“I want to thank our volunteers. Without them, the library would not be open,” Carol added.

“The parents are appreciative that there’s thought behind the toys. They can look at how to use the toys in a way that will aid in the child’s skill development.”

Since the start of this initiative, Major Lee-Ann van Duinen says parents have been very appreciative of the program.

“The parents are appreciative that there’s thought behind the toys. They can look at how to use the toys in a way that will aid in the child’s skill development,” Major Lee-Ann said.

In addition to the toy library, Carol offers consultation at a pop-up clinic inside the church.

With the Toy Lending Library still being relatively new, The Salvation Army in Guelph continues to get the word out to parents, grandparents, and community partners about this service.

As the program grows, there will be an increased need for toy donations and volunteers. Anyone interested in donating toys or volunteering at the library, can contact the Guelph Citadel.

“With increased public awareness of the toy lending program, there may also be an increased opportunity for toy donations to help sustain the growth of the library,” Carol said.

By Juan Romero