Goals

Problem statement:

Children learn by playing and toys are the instruments that allow them to discover the world they live in. According to Child Development Institute, toys support cognitive and emotional development, spark imagination, strengthen social skills, and teach empathy and care.

While it’s normal to outgrow toys, the unused toys often sit in the garage or on shelves. Toys are created for playing, and when they are not used, they lose their function. Every year hundreds of toys end up thrown in the garbage and are forgotten forever.

In Georgia, there are number of families who are not able to afford toys for their kids. Buying a new toy becomes low priority when the basic needs of their children are not met. Beside individual families, public kindergartens in rural areas also suffer a toy shortage and the state cannot provide new toys every year. Over the course of time toys are damaged and need a constant renewal to keep the spirit up.

Proposed Solution:

Our project connects those who want to share toys with those who need them. We will install toy donation drop off boxes in different parts of the city (such as malls, university and a library) to make donating as easy as possible. Volunteer teams will be instructed on collection procedures and delivery.

We plan to start a social campaign to promote toy donations:

1. Create an informational blog. It will include information regarding the idea of the project, how people can get involved, where to donate, etc. It will also share stories from the field.

2. Create bright labels for the boxes explaining how they function and what toys are needed.

3. Promote the boxes on social media and on TV.

As part of the campaign, people can submit letters describing the story of the donated toy. These letters will be delivered with it, creating a link between the old and new owner. Volunteers will take care of the boxes, sort the toys, and ensure they work. A team will partner with other organisations and local kindergartens to deliver toys to those in need throughout the year. We also plan to organise special events related to International Children’s Day and Christmas.

Sustainability:

The project is based on the idea that toys should always function. An important step to make sure that project is sustainable is to include more partners in the process. Collaboration with the city hall and local governments can help maintain and to install more boxes, increase availability and the amount of toys that can be delivered to disadvantaged children. Given that we target kindergartens, government agencies responsible for their supply will be interested.

Project also plans to partner with relevant private sector entities. Additionally, our young volunteers will be a strong asset to keep the project going forward. Finally, kids will learn how to share, how to reuse, how to love and commit a simple act of kindness.

Equal gender opportunity:

This project provides equal social benefits for girls and boys as givers and takers.