A Swanage childcare group is inviting local families to take part in a toy swap to spread a little Christmas joy.
It’s the first time that Explorers Childcare – based at The Centre in Chapel Lane in Swanage – has held the event and they’re hoping as many parents and children as possible will take part.
The event is being held at St Mark’s CE Primary School in Herston on Saturday 20th November 2021 from 10 am to 12 noon.
The first Christmas toy swap event is at St Mark’s primary school
“Been through difficult times”
Natasha Ramsay, Explorers’ director, said:
“It’s a community event for families and children, many of whom have been through difficult times with Covid and maybe the thought of Christmas coming up can be a bit daunting.
“So, we wanted them to have the opportunity to get new toys without the financial outlay. And from a sharing and sustainability point of view, it’s a great way to limit the amount of waste.”
Sam Turner and Natasha Ramsay are encouragng families to swap their old toys
Old toys for new
Families are invited to bring old toys by end of school on Wednesday 17th November 2021 to either St Mark’s CE Primary School or The Centre in Chapel Lane, and they will be given tokens to use on Saturday morning.
Natasha explained:
“That gives us a chance to check the toys are suitable and they can be quarantined ready to go out for the event.”
Explorers staff Lauren, Kayleigh and Catherine
New Herston group
Natasha set up Explorers Childcare after being a childminder for ten years, when the old youth centre became available, with the support of Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust.
This September, she and her team launched a second group at St Mark’s CE School in Herston.
Old toys need to be brought in by the end of Wednesday 17th November 2021 to swap for tokens
Wide range of services
As well as the nursery, preschool and holiday clubs, Natasha also runs a youth club on Fridays at Herston Village Hall. The group also provides breakfast and after school clubs in conjunction with Swanage Primary School. There are 140 families who use The Centre in Swanage and now 12 at the newly launched one in Herston.
Natasha added:
“We want to get people aware of the facilities that are there at St Mark’s which is such a fantastic school.”
The event will also raise money for Swanage charity Will Does
Free admission
There is no admission charge for the toy swap and profits from the sale of refreshments will go to local charity #Willdoes that promotes wellbeing for children and young people.
If people don’t have any toys to swap, they don’t have to miss out, they can go along towards the end of the event at 11.30 am and take a pick from what is left.
