Feedback on the Toy Box scheme

The impact of the Toy Box scheme

Over the years, KidsOut has received lots of feedback about the impact that our Toy Box scheme has had on the lives of children. Here are some excerpts from the stories and comments we have received.

“I would like to say thank you very much for the toy boxes. I was amazed to receive such a great bundle, it brings tears to my eyes when I watch them playing now, not because I am sad but because it has also made me see that we can be happy and build everything up again, it's just made such a big difference.”

Sarah’s story:

“We fled to a Women’s Aid refuge, with just a couple of bags of clothes in the back of the car and the pushchair.  The children were 5, 3 and 15mths.  At this point everything in their lives turned upside down.  They had left their friends, their school and pre-school, groups and clubs behind.  They had gone from living in a house to sharing one room with me, and sharing communal living spaces with 8 other families.

When we left the refuge and moved into temporary accommodation, each of the children received a toy box from KidsOut. The sight of the 3 rather large bright yellow boxes and the excitement of unpacking the contents was fantastic!  All is helping my three kids to settle into their new lives, and is gradually helping to give them skills for the future.”

From Welsh Womens’ Aid:

“KidsOut Toybox can make a huge difference to a family leaving Refuge. Most families arriving in Refuge have left in a hurry leaving all their toys and personal possessions behind them. When its time to move on to their new home it causes a huge strain on mum’s finances as she has to start again from scratch. The KidsOut Toy Box is a welcoming gift which helps the child feel special and valuable. The Toy Box may be their first personal possession in a long time, this helps the child have a sense of security and belonging.”

From Wycombe Womens Aid:

“Being able to contact KidsOut and arrange for a Toy Box to be sent out to the children has been absolutely fantastic.  Mums are always so excited when I tell them about the Scheme and often they cannot believe that they are able to receive such a box.  The children are so excited to have new toys to go in their new room and, particularly for the Mums, it signifies a fresh start with few reminders of their old life.”

From a Child & Family Co-ordinator:

“I would like to share with you one case where we had a young mother brought to the refuge by the police escaping serious domestic violence. She arrived with a young baby, a baby bag and no other personal belongings. When she was housed and leaving us, we were able to find her basic furniture and a few second hand toys. I had the pleasure of delivering her Toy Box to her and she felt that this was the Christmas she dreamt of for her baby. She wrapped each gift and those were the presents under her little tree. On behalf of the staff and the residents we are so grateful to put a little ray of sunshine into the lives of children in need.”

"My children were delighted that someone cared enough to send them such wonderful things. I get so much delight watching their faces. Thank you so much"

"It was like Christmas for them. Almost a year later they are still playing with all the toys"

“Thank you very much for all your beautiful toys, my daughter is enjoying her toys, its all perfect for her”

“It helps them to feel at home again, after losing all their toys from fleeing an abusive home”

"May I take this opportunity to say thank you on behalf of the woman & children we support for your generosity.  Our women love to see the faces of their children when they receive the toy boxes"

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