I recently caught up with Lyndsey, a Trustee of local charity Toy Hub, to find out about them and the work they do. Keep reading to learn about what they do and, most importantly, how you can get involved to support them.
What is Toy Hub?
Toy Hub was founded in 2022 with a simple mission: “To ensure that no child within our local community goes without a gift to open at Christmas”. They support families within Berkhamsted, Tring and the surrounding village, and use strict criteria to make sure that those most in need get our help
How does it work?
In October Toy Hub opens up for applications. Families can apply themselves, or other organisations (schools, nurseries, health visitor, other charities etc) can make applications on their behalf.
Toys and gift donations are received at the beginning of November ready to be delivered by early December.
Gifts, wrapping paper and sticky tape are delivered to the families so that parents can have a gift to wrap up and give to their children.
How can you support Toy Hub?
There are a number of ways you can support and help Toy Hub:
- Share their posts and tell your friends – raising awareness is a key so a simple share of one of their posts, or telling you friends & family about the charity and it’s aims means a great deal.
- Donate toys & gifts – if you’re having a clear out then do consider donating to Toy Hub. They take donations for children aged 0 – 18. If donating second hand / used items then follow this simple rule “would you wrap it up and gift it to a loved one?”, if yes then donate!
- Donate money – you can donate online and all donations are used to support the aims of the charity. Including buying gifts where they are low on donations, and covering running costs, such as storage.
- Volunteer your time – you can volunteer to help collect, check, repair, sort and select toys & gifts for the local families Toy Hub supports. Toy Hub are also on the lookout for van drivers who can help with the transportation logistics during November.
I’m a local business, can I help?
Yes! Toy Hub love to partner with local businesses. Perhaps you have excess stock you could donate – as well as toys & gifts Toy Hub also need bags for life, wrapping paper and sellotape! – or can release your staff to volunteer, or you can give a cash corporate donation.
If you’re not able to donate anything at this time then a simple share on your social media, displaying a poster on your premises or a mention in your newsletter would be so beneficial for raising awareness and spreading the word.
Toy Hub are also looking for some long term storage; they know their money could go a lot further by purchasing items in post Christmas sales etc but currently don’t have anywhere to store large quantities throughout the year. If you have some spare storage space then do get in touch with Toy Hub.
If you can help email them at hello@toyhub.org
I’d like to buy some gifts to donate, is there anything Toy Hub particularly need this year?
Everything is gratefully received, but some things that are always lacking are:
- Lego (new and like new)
- Gifts for Teens – this can be anything and everything; they can only accept brand new toiletries
- Barbies and Disney dolls
- STEM items (fidgets and sensory items)
Where do I donate toys and gifts?
Donation points open on 2nd November until 17th November. Check out Toy Hub website to find your nearest donation point: https://www.toyhub.org/
Where can I find out more?
Find full details about Toy Hub on their website on https://www.toyhub.org/ This is where you can also make an application for support.
You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook
