Frome Toy Library, the town’s local, popular, non-profit organisation, is kicking off 2020 in style with a fund-raising home-made cake sale on February 4th. At the same time, the group is offering free annual toy library membership available to all families on benefit who join-up in February.
Director Sue Willis invites Frome parents to join: saying, “Most people have had an expensive time over Christmas and we know that entertaining children in the grey, cold months can be challenging, even lonely. The toy library holds twice-weekly play sessions and loans out toys for use at home, so for families in receipt of benefit we’d like to offer the chance to join us for free and bring the children along to share the toys too – just sign up during February.”
The group says, “Parents can enrol to join in person at the cake sale between 9.30 and 2.15 on Tuesday 4th February at Vallis School, or at any stay-and-play session during February. Naturally everyone, regardless of age, is invited to come along to buy some tasty treats to help raise funds to keep this vital local community service going throughout 2020.
“As well as hosting two play sessions each week, Frome Toy Library offers the chance to borrow a large selection of good quality educational toys and games all year round and encourages the importance of early play between adults and children. The stay-and-play sessions, at Vallis School and at the Frome Library, actively encourage adults to have fun with their children rather than leaving the kids to play on their own. This also allows adults to chat to each other, to discuss early parenting issues and make local connections and help relieve social isolation. The toy library’s experienced key worker is on hand to give support and advice to parents and carers.
“Whilst the February-sign-up is free (for those in receipt of benefit) the organisers are, of course, keen to encourage new membership from all local families and the standard annual charge is just £20 a year per family, which includes full take-home lending service, plus a charge of just £1 per child at play sessions. Any prospective members who would like to know more can also see a selection of just some of the 47 take-home play-sacks featured on the Frome Toy Library website (details below) or on its Face Book page.
“Currently sponsored by Storagebase and Lettings-R-Us, the organisers, Purple Elephant Productions, are most keen to hear from other local businesses who would be interested in sponsoring and supporting this vital, sustainable and growing community service.
“If you would like to join the Frome Toy Library or are a company looking to offer sponsorship, then more details can be found on the website www.frome childrensfestival.org/toy- library or get in touch via info@frome childrensfestival .org to be sure of a very warm welcome.”
