Somerset toy library 'still here to help families during the second lockdown'
As the second national lockdown continues a Somerset toy library says it's delivering toys to families in need to borrow - while following strict rules to ensures all items lent have been through strict Covid protection measures.
Last updated 9th Nov 2020
The Frome Toy library, which takes a minimal subscription fee but pledges to find ways to accomodate those struggling to pay, has 50 toy sacks which can be lent out.
The sacks are divided into themes to suit children at different stages of development.
The charity which runs it is also known for its stay and play sessions, but these are currently suspended because of the current Coronavirus rules.
Sue Willis, who oversees the scheme, said: "We wanted to be able to really support famililes and we're aware that sometimes - even during normal times - some families can't make it to our stay and play sessions to borrow the toys.
"So we thought we'd start up a delivery service and that would be for any families in Frome or the surrounding villages.
"if they go on to our website they can have a look at the range of play sacks, choose what they want, contact us, and we can deliver them.
"It costs around £12k to run the Toy Library service for a year.
"The majority of our funding comes from grants, which have become harder to secure in recent years, and very hard over recent months.
"We essentially ran out of funds around two months ago and launched a fundraising campaign to secure local business sponsors and individual donations.
"Luckily we've now secured five local sponsors - Western Airducts, College of Bowen Studies, Tsiolkovsky, Cox and Cox, and Dennis Maps - and received around £2500 in donations, including from the local Rotary Club.
"We also secured a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund specifically for delivering toys and play sacks to families.
"This has meant that we're secure for around nine months and can confidently restart our stay and play sessions after lock down, and continue our new delivery service to reach isolated families.
"What would help us most is annual sponsorship and monthly donations (rather than one off giving, as wonderful and appreciated as that is), which would give us the guaranteed income we need to plan the Toy Library with confidence for years to come.
"If anyone wants more information or any local businesses would like to sponsor us, the best way to contact us is via our website."