Unwanted toys give joy

The very thought of throwing away something which could be very well utilised by the less fortunate would give one a sense of guilt.

This attitude prompted me to look into the wastage of toys by children. With the cooperation and support of Al Maktoum Foundation, we have launched an initiative called "Let Us Make Children Smile", to collect unwanted toys that are in good condition from willing children throughout schools in Dubai.

These toys will then be made clean and distributed to less privileged children in different parts of the world.

The other objective of the project is to teach children the importance of sharing and caring, to involve children as volunteers and to help them understand the importance of lending a helping hand and experience the joy of giving. This would also create general awareness about the suffering of innocent children in different parts of the world and give them an opportunity to realise their wishes.

In addition, the project would allow proper usage of unwanted toys, rather than them having to be just thrown away. There are many non-profit organisations in the world that take care of the basic needs of children, like food, shelter and clothing — but very few focus on the psychological development of children. Toys play a major role in this area.

Our children are the future and happy kids create a happier society.

Many organisations have come forward to support this programme through different means. Schools have expressed their cooperation in collecting toys. We have already started collection campaigns in some schools.

We require more volunteers to come forward to support this venture. People are required to help segregate toys into different categories, and help with manual tasks such as packing and labelling. Sponsorships are also required for the purpose of logistics, cleaning fabric toys, storage, packing materials, label equipment, printing and so on.

Also, if any readers are aware of orphanages that would benefit from this programme in the Middle East, Africa or Asia, they can suggest them to us by sending the details to lmcs.dubai@yahoo.com. Happy children grow up as happy and responsible global citizens, which indirectly helps create a peaceful society. Let us join hands to make children smile.

You can help

If interested in volunteering, you can:

Call: 050 6549905

Email: lmcs.dubai@gmail.com  or lmcs.dubai@yahoo.com

— The reader is based in Dubai