Library to start new year with new toys

CHRISTMAS came early this month for the Ocean Grove Toy Library (OGTL) with a $2,000 grant to purchase new toys.

The toy library received a share in almost $1.12 million in funding as part of the first round of the City of Greater Geelong’s 2018-19 Community Investment and Support Fund grants.

Kim Turner from the toy library said the funding would help replace worn and tired toys, which in turn would help increase membership numbers.

“Our membership fees cover the cost of running the toy library, so unless we win grants we can’t get new toys, and pieces become missing and broken, as do all kids’ toys when they get played with a lot,” Ms Turner said.

“Basically, this grant will help drive more membership because we will be able to buy some more toys as they are all getting a bit worn, and part of the funding will go towards buying special needs  toys for children with development delays and for physical therapy.”

Ms Turner said the funding felt a bit like an early Christmas. “We’ll be able to do a stocktake over the holidays when we close and give what we don’t need to charity,” she said.

“We’ll be starting the new year with new toys, we’ll see what we need and get some good quality learning toys.”

The voluntary non–profit organisation is run by and for parents and families of the local Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Wallington and Marcus Hill communities and offers toys for kids aged six months to six years.

Much like a book library, members can borrow toys for a fortnightly period, and then choose more toys on their return.

The library also gives families and parents the opportunity to meet others to develop friendships.

The OGTL is located behind the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre within the Boorai Centre. For more information, phone Kim Turner on 0450 110 043, email coordinator@oceangrovetoylibrary. org.au or follow them on Facebook.