Brentford Toy Library Sets Up Pop Up Shop

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In an attempt to raise funds for continued survival

Brentford Toy Library has been running since 1986 and over the last three years a lot of time has been invested in providing a safe and fun environment for parents and their tots.

The charity had to cut back on some of its services, now temporarily reinstated due to cutbacks in funding.

General Manager Sally Malit, 47, said: "A lot of people are being terribly squeezed and we need to stress the value of the scheme."

The toy library has always relied on donations from residents and funding from the Pathways Small Grants Programme. Like many charities, it is facing a serious reduction in what schemes like Pathways can afford to invest in their work.

For now the charity is staying afloat, but Sally is looking for new and inventive ways to raise money. The toy library team will be teaming up with the Docking Station on Brentford High Street which provides a community hub for different groups. Together they will launch a "pop-up charity shop" selling reasonably-priced children's toys and furniture.

Andrew Dakers, company secretary at the Docking Station, said: "Our versatile space is enabling the development of a wide range of partnerships with local organisations.

"We're really looking forward to welcoming one of Brentford's favourite organisations and working with them to bring new diversity to the high street, as well as raise money for the charity."

This joint initiative is due to start on Fridays from the end of October and the Brentford Toy Library continues to run on Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to midday and Friday afternoons from 1.30 to 3.30pm at St Paul's Parish Centre.

Sally said: "We have been rescued for the time being, so we can celebrate that."

October 20, 2011