Toy library seeks helping hand

By Owen Sinclair

Nov 14, 2024

Almost every parent is familiar with the phenomenon: their child gets a new toy, smothers it with attention and would rather part with a limb than let it go.

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Soon enough, however, that same toy — which only moments earlier inspired such adoration — is left by the wayside in favour of another bigger, better toy.

Enter the Cobram & District Toy Library.

For over 40 years, the volunteer-run library has provided families and single parents across the community with high-quality toys for their children to enjoy.

The Cobram & District Toy Library is seeking expressions of interest for volunteers. Photo by Owen Sinclair

Library president Steph Thompson said many families could not afford to hire or buy large toys for their child’s birthday, so they turned to the library’s services instead.

“It’s about sustainability as well,” Mrs Thompson said.

“As far as the environment goes, it keeps a lot out of landfill. If [a toy] is broken, I’ll take parts off it we can use for other toys.”

She said she would like to make the library more accessible during the week.

But even with Mrs Thompson and treasurer Liz Stronge running the show, such a goal is unlikely to be reached unless more volunteers come on board.

“If we get more volunteers, we can be open more often,” Mrs Thompson said.

In between her work as a school bus driver, Mrs Thompson volunteers her time at the library and Cobram CFA, where she is the 2nd Lieutenant.

She said all toys were disinfected upon their return to the library, which relocated to Federation Park this year.

Anyone can apply to volunteer with the group, Mrs Thompson said — including parents.

“If you’ve got kids, you can bring them down while you’re volunteering,” Mrs Thompson said.

Find out more information about getting involved with the toy library through the group’s Facebook page at tinyurl.com/49sa26pn