Toy Drive Supports Student Well-being
Posted on 04/08/2020
Toy Drive Supports Student Well-being
A toy initiative proposed by the owner of a local school bus company is putting smiles on the faces of children and families who may be feeling the effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 health crisis. It was identified that many families live in apartments or crowded housing areas without adequate basement spaces for toys and games, or big back yards where children can run around. This has been compounded by the recent closure of all playgrounds to help stop the spread of the virus.
Martin’s School Transit foresaw the major effect on the mental health and well-being that this could have on many children and their families. With an increased amount of worry and stress during the current situation, the idea was to provide fun and engaging toys for these families to help their children pass the time until their lives return to some form of normalcy.
The bus company owner initially reached out to Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services, which supports many of the vulnerable children in Bruce and Grey counties. The generous Keystone team immediately agreed to accept donations and ensure the toys were directed to where they needed to go. A local business also got involved in the selection, purchase, cleaning, and packaging of appropriate aged toys that would be engaging and durable beyond the first play. A local service club offered to deliver the toys to doorsteps, and where available, work with local fire departments to do the same.
The Keystone team sought the support of Bluewater District School Board to help identify vulnerable and high needs students and families in our region. Information was gathered through principals with as many as 292 names submitted to Keystone for coordinating the delivery of the toys. Deepest thanks are extended to Martin's School Transit and all supporting partners who have contributed to this heartwarming initiative to support student well-being!
