Wagga Toy Library will close without support, says president | Video

Wagga Toy Library – which lets parents borrow toys for their kids – was built-up two generations ago to help ease the cost of raising a child. 

Its core principles remain – but the group desperately needs volunteers to fill its committee or risk closure by the end of the year.

“It would be so sad not to make it to that 30 years,” president Katrina Roberts said.

“We understand people don’t have a lot of time, but when there’s a few people chipping in, it doesn’t take much time at all to run the organisation.”

The committee is currently running at half its size and membership has fallen to record lows, with its decline attributed to the affordability of new toys under major retailers.

But Ms Roberts said the toy group had adapted to the consumer-driven world by striving to teach kids good habits.

"Kids get tired of their toys really quickly,” she said. 

“And we’re finding more and more that people are concerned about sustainability and don't want their toys ending up in landfill. At the same time, we’re teaching kids to share and be part of community.”

The organisation, which is located within Wagga City Library, boasts more than 600 “high-quality” toys. To continue running, it requires six new committee members ranging from executive positions to fundraising roles.

Membership – which funds the employ of a librarian as well as insurance costs – is $60 per year for non-volunteer members. Volunteers who give up six hours in one year receive half-price membership.

“It works out economical when you consider the cost of consistently having to buy new toys and store them as well,” Ms Roberts said.

“For the community, it is a valuable resource for education … we have grandparents, family day cares and all types of groups that use the service. 

“It shows a lot of respect for the people who started the organisation (to keep it running).”

Wagga Toy Library is open on Saturday from 10am to 1pm.