I was looking for something to fill some free time that I had after finishing full-time work. I wanted to feel that I was giving something to the community of Shepshed.
I had a trial period helping at the Toy Library. The work of the Library was explained and I could choose what I wanted to help with after I had been given an overview of the different tasks that were available. These included supporting the children in their play, making cups of tea and coffee for parents and squash for the children, helping with the administration.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 6 months that I have been helping out. It has given me a purpose for two mornings a week but at the same time given me flexibility if I need to take some time away for childcare and holidays. You are never pressurised to be there but they are pleased for any help given. It has helped to keep me active and I have learnt some new skills.
I have met some really nice people; they are a friendly team and very welcoming who work very hard to provide this facility.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Member and Volunteer Reviews
Over the summer, we will be featuring reviews of the toy library from our members and volunteers. If you would like to add your views of the service and facilities we provide, your experience as a volunteer or your experience of borrowing toys, then please feel free to leave a comment or email us at shepshedtoylib@tiscali.co.uk.
To start it off here is a review from one of our "occasional" volunteers i.e. someone who helps out occasionally at special events.
Working as a volunteer for Shepshed Toy Library
I have this year been involved in working with Shepshed Toy Library as a volunteer and although my involvement has been limited it has been a very good experience.
Shepshed Toy Library is an organisation I am proud to be associated with and I am grateful to the staff for their support to me and my business as a volunteer. The Toy Library is a valuable asset to the community providing safe learning and play for children of all ages, and support and guidance for families.
This year I took part in the Ladies Pamper Night, setting up a stall at the event, and every effort was made to ensure I had the space and resources that I needed. Additionally credit to my website was given on the toy library blog after the event.
I found the evening to be very enjoyable and look forward to being involved in future projects and working again with the toy library staff and other volunteers.
To start it off here is a review from one of our "occasional" volunteers i.e. someone who helps out occasionally at special events.
Working as a volunteer for Shepshed Toy Library
I have this year been involved in working with Shepshed Toy Library as a volunteer and although my involvement has been limited it has been a very good experience.
Shepshed Toy Library is an organisation I am proud to be associated with and I am grateful to the staff for their support to me and my business as a volunteer. The Toy Library is a valuable asset to the community providing safe learning and play for children of all ages, and support and guidance for families.
This year I took part in the Ladies Pamper Night, setting up a stall at the event, and every effort was made to ensure I had the space and resources that I needed. Additionally credit to my website was given on the toy library blog after the event.
I found the evening to be very enjoyable and look forward to being involved in future projects and working again with the toy library staff and other volunteers.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Summer Holiday Dates
The toy library will be open for three dates over the summer holidays.
These are:
Wednesday 3rd, 10th and 17th August 10am-12:00pm.
We will be continuing our focus on healthy eating and active play.
Normal opening will resume on Monday 5th September.
Look out for the results of further refurbishments when we re-open in September!
These are:
Wednesday 3rd, 10th and 17th August 10am-12:00pm.
We will be continuing our focus on healthy eating and active play.
Normal opening will resume on Monday 5th September.
Look out for the results of further refurbishments when we re-open in September!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July News
It has been very busy at the toy library the last few weeks.
Many of you will have noticed our new doors which are part of the refurbishment made possible by a grant from the Midlands Co-op.
We have also held two Teddy Bear's picnics which were a great success and raised £77 for toy library funds. On the Wednesday picnic we were joined by the British Heart Foundation, this was part of our topic on healthy eating and the importance of keeping active. This is a topic that is in the news a lot at the moment. The government is recommending to parents that pre-school children have at least 3 hours physical activity per day. Here is a recent news story about the topic:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14080072
The British Heart Foundation offer much helpful advice for parents. Here is a link to their page:
http://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/prevention/tips-for-parents.aspx
The Toy library was awarded £100 in the 3M community awards. We were shortlisted from 47 applications, and although we did not win a major award, this contribution is very much appreciated.
Finally, we have lots of new toys in stock including executive jet, camper van, dressing up clothes, multicultural games, and healthy eating games. We also have lots of outdoor toys and garden games which are perfect for the summer holidays. Our last normal day of opening is Friday 15th July, but we shall open for three Wednesdays in the summer: 3rd, 10th and 17th 10:00-12:00. We hope to see you on one of those days.
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