Rules Club grant provides $2500 for early intervention toys

“It’s for kids with special needs,” vice-president Janine Olsen said.

“It’s unfortunate, but disability doesn’t always happen in families with a lot of money. We’re going to have a range of toys that can assist children with sensory, motor-skills and sensory disorders.”

To help ensure they got the right toys for their new collection, organisers consulted with Kurrajong Early Intervention Service, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, independent occupational therapists and families. Funding for the $2500 collection was provided by Wagga Rules Club.

The group, set up about 30 years ago, has up to 200 toys loaned out at any one time. 

“It stops the home cluttering up,” Ms Olsen said. “It’s also good for small children who lose interest in a toy after a while, it saves parents the cost of continually buying new toys.”

It’s not just all Tonka Trucks and building blocks either, with a range of educational toys, costumes, games and puzzles on offer as well.

“Parents pay $2 per item and can borrow up to five items for four weeks,” Ms Olsen said. “After six years we don’t have a dedicated playroom at home and we can get toys to suit the kids’ interests.”

Wagga Toy Library is open at Wagga Library from 10am-1pm every Saturday.