Old unwanted toys wanted

IF your child’s room is cluttered with unwanted or old toys, then you might want to consider donating them to give underprivileged kids hours of fun.

The collected playthings will be used to stock a Toy Library, like the one which was recently opened at the Penang Down Syndrome Associations (PDSA) premises on Rose Avenue in Pulau Tikus.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s wife Betty Chew said children learn a lot through play, so it was vital that all kids, especially those less fortunate had access to toys with an emphasis on educational ones.

“With more toys from the public, we can set up more such libraries.

“Not only will it help clear out your closet of unwanted toys, it also contributes to the states recycling and green initiatives,” she said when launching the toy library.

The brightly-decorated toy library, with shelves packed with soft toys, figurines, toy cars and educational games, allows children to borrow a toy, then return it a week later in exchange for another.

The initiative is set up under the Toy Stories programme, co-organised by the Sim Children & Child Heart Clinic and Mutiara Women Organisation, with the assistance of various NGOs.

Chew said that the toy libraries would give the less fortunate kids a chance to play with toys they would normally not have access to, while at the same time promote a sense of sharing.

She added that several more toy libraries would be set up on the mainland in the near future.

Sim Children & Child Heart Clinic consultant pediatrician Dr Sim Joo Seng said that although the PDSA Toy Library is open to the association’s members only, they ultimately intend to make it accessible to all children to promote interaction.

According to him, one out of every 600 child is born with Down syndrome.

“We want them to be part of the community, and not viewed as just kids with Down syndrome,” Dr Sim added.

The event, which also featured several performances by PDSA children and various games for the public to enjoy, was held in conjunction with Children’s Day.

Those who wish to donate toys can do so at the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) Penang branch (04-6587034), PDSA (04-2274917), Pulau Tikus assemblyman Koay Teng Hai’s service centre, Montessori Children’s House, Sim Children & Child Heart Clinic and Gama Supermarket & Departmental Store.

The Star
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/22/north/7258820&sec=north