The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) “Toy Loan Program” and Amazon recently partnered to encourage donations for nine Toy Loan sites, including a Santa Clarita location.

The program is a free service which allows children to borrow toys from a toy loan center in the same manner in which they borrow books from the public library.

The toy loan program achieves its mission by sparking creativity and imagination to build the foundation for a life of learning. The program promotes imagination, exploration and discovery, according to officials.

Photo Courtesy Of DPSS Toy Loan Program

The program is a voluntary community effort sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Social Services.

“Most kids will get tired of a toy and they want to replace it with something differently, so this allows them to do so whenever they want,” said Tony Bell, spokesperson for Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Santa Clarita as part of the fifth district.

The Santa Clarita Valley Community Center, located at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd., is now part of the Amazon donation project that allows the community to donate to specific centers, but also accepts new and used toys throughout the year.

The first toy loan center opened on May 6, 1935 in a garage near Manchester Park in Los Angeles, and during this time, the basic ground rules were developed.

Today, the centers are now located in parks, recreation facilities, children’s centers, housing projects and community service buildings throughout the County, helping thousands of families gain access to the free program.

Open to anyone in the community, the toy loan program is established for children ages zero to 18 years old.

New or used toys are loaned on a weekly basis, and at 5 weeks, they receive a toy to keep as a reward for being responsible.

“In addition to getting a toy to play with and enjoy for the holidays, a child also learns about responsibility and this helps them demonstrate accountability because they have to return it,” said Bell.

Responsibility is among the toy loan honor code, which also includes honesty, patience, courtesy, promptness, cleanliness and cooperation, according to Marcia Blachman, program director.

Photo Courtesy Of DPSS Toy Loan Program

“The program provides a free resource to the community and children are able to learn based on positive reinforcement,” added Blachman.

After 20 good marks, the child would obtain the status of “Honor Borrower,” which entitles them to a pack of 10 toys, small party and certificate.

Currently, there are 54 toy lending libraries located throughout Los Angeles County, according to officials.

Each center rewards positive behavior by continuing to lend the hottest new toys of the season, which are donated by the community.

Since the loan centers operate solely on donations, officials are asking the community to donate directly to their local centers, or through the new Amazon wish list website.

“No donation is too small,” said Blachman. “Any donation is really appreciated.”

The Santa Clarita Valley Community Center is currently in need of new toys, including:

• New or gently used games and books
• New or gently used stuffed animals and dolls, like Hatchimals and Shopkins
• Educational toys and games, like V-tech
• Video games and consoles for older children
• Sports equipment and games for older children
• Toys for children with special needs and disabilities
• Monetary donations in any amount

“The centers serve about 3,500 kids per month,” said Blachman. “We definitely accept donations of toys all year long.”

For more information about the LA County Toy Loan Program, visit the website here.

To donate toys through Amazon, click here.

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