Volunteers wanted for kid’s toy joy

THE Ballarat Toy Library has been lending to families toys for decades, and with a recent drop in helpers, the organisation is seeking new people to carry on the tradition.

President Sally Tuck said that during the pandemic, the community organisation has gone from having 70 active volunteers down to 35.

“We are definitely putting our hand up and saying come and play with toys with us,” she said.

“Even if it’s two hours in one year that you can give us then by all means, that two hours will be loved and cherished.”

While the number of helpers has improved following the easing of restrictions, the organisation has struggled with “acute volunteer shortages” due some recruits being frontline workers.

Located at Barkly Square, the Toy Library offers yearly memberships for families to borrow up to four toys per month.

“This stops families having to go out and buy large amounts of toys themselves, or they can trial them or even grab them for a friend that they know is struggling,” Ms Tuck said.

The organisation also collaborates with teachers, therapists, and special needs educational facilities, and has recently received the support of grants and community donations.

“That doesn’t mean that the list of things we’d love to see isn’t a mile-long list, but I’m continuously amazed at the generosity of the people of Ballarat,” she said.

Prior to COVID, the organisation was poised to reach a high point in their numbers and Ms Tuck said they are looking to get “back on the track.”

Ms Tuck said she hopes the Toy Library will continue to serve the community for decades more.

“The toys we get don’t go to us,” she said. “They go to the many, many families over the years that will take it home, love it, use it. There are things in the library even now that are older than I am.”

The Toy Library is open twice a week from 10am to 12pm on Sundays and Tuesdays, with the option available to click-and-collect.