This Christmas, Allsorts is calling on the kindness of our community to support its local Toy Library and help fill the shelves with joy.
The charity provides a busy timetable of activities for 0-25s with additional needs in Gloucestershire. Additionally, their families get access to an essential community of people who ‘get it’, reducing isolation and loneliness.
The charity is based in Stroud but families with disabled children can join from across Gloucestershire. Donations to keep the Toy Library running will benefit numerous families, creating a lasting impact across the county.
Every year, this award-winning charity gives hundreds of families access to high-quality toys and specialist equipment. But their shelves are running low, and they need your help to keep the magic alive.
For many families, the Allsorts Toy Library is more than just a source of toys – it’s a lifeline. The toys and equipment don’t just entertain, they support imagination, learning, and development for children with a range of additional needs. Many of these items are expensive to purchase, and the Toy Library offers a practical solution by loaning items on a short or long-term basis. This unique service allows families to try out toys and equipment before making any big purchases.
There are also a range of sessions available for families to book on to and see what the Toy Library has to offer. They can find sensory items such as lighting, tactile toys and weighted blankets too. As well as toys, there is specialist equipment which can help ease some of life’s daily challenges for children with additional needs.
Nadia Francis brings her daughter, Ophelia, who faces significant physical challenges along to Allsorts: “When I say to her in the morning, ‘Shall we go to Allsorts?’ her face lights up,” says Nadia, reflecting on how Allsorts provides a safe space for her to enjoy sensory experiences, offering rare opportunities for connection with other parents and children. She emphasises the critical need for Allsorts, calling it “an absolute gem here in Stroud for our disability community,” and stresses how essential it is for Allsorts to maintain specialised, accessible toys and equipment, which are both vital and costly for families.
“These aren’t toys you find in typical shops. They’re specially made for children with needs and they’re very expensive – a lot of us parents can’t afford them.”
People can help families by donating and spreading the word about the Toy Library Appeal. Without essential new and replacement items, the charity will be very limited in what it can offer families who need support.
£15 could buy a sensory toy
£50 could buy a specialist weighted blanket
£200 would fund the home of our Toy Library for an entire day
A regular gift would help secure the Toy Library’s future, giving families in Gloucestershire access to life-changing resources all year round.
Some of the specialist items needed include:
- Giant Spinning Fish. This would provide lots of stimulation for young people with sensory needs.
- Bouncy Stepping Stones. These are really versatile, featuring different textures and colours, enhancing sensory exploration.
- Wiggle Feet Sensory Cushion. We need more of these great items, which help to calm busy bodies.
- Fibre Optic Carpet. A wonderful piece of kit which allows children to play and interact with lighting on the floor.
- Dark Den. This would provide a chillout zone at Allsorts or for use at home to create a unique sensory den.
Link to appeal webpage: https://allsortsglos.org.uk/urgent-christmas-appeal/
Link to donate page: https://checkout.justgiving.com/jnxytm71dt
