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Toy Loan

Toy Loan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that allows children to borrow toys from a Toy Loan Center in the same way as they would borrow books from a library. The Program is a voluntary community effort co-sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Social Services. The free Toy Loan Program began in 1935 as a community effort in the Westchester area of Los Angeles during the Great Depression. The impetus of this effort was to loan toys to low-income children whose families could not afford toys. Each year, the Toy Loan centers serve over 30,000 children and are a resource for teachers to help enhance learning. Over 85 years after opening the first center, the Program remains unchanged. The Toy Loan mission of building a foundation of lifelong learning through sparking creativity and imagination continues.

Vision Statement
Children recieving backpacks

Play is an essential ingredient in the cognitive, emotional, and physical development of a child. At Toy Loan, we subscribe to the idea that learning and play are one. Toy Loan achieves its mission by sparking creativity and imagination to build the foundation for a life of learning. Toy Loan promotes imagination, exploration, and discovery. Together, educators, caregivers, and children can embark on adventures that challenge and inspire the mind and spirit.

Benefits of the Program
Two boys looking through a shelf with toys.

Children learn character-building and citizenship skills by returning the items in good condition and on time. The Program develops a sense of responsibility in children through the observance of an honor code and merit system that gives praise and recognition when toys are returned on time and undamaged.

 

Toy Loan Centers

Toy Loan Centers are located in parks or recreation facilities, children’s centers, libraries, schools, housing projects, and community service buildings. Each center is unique, but all follow the same basic guidelines.

Toy Loan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies heavily on the generosity of private corporations, individuals, and special interest groups. 

 

For any questions, please contact us at

Telephone: (213) 744-4344 / (833) 8TY-LOAN

Email: toyloan@dpss.lacounty.gov