Keralam government launches Toy to Joy to provide toys for preschoolers

The Women and Child Development department in Keralam launched the Toy to Joy initiative on Children’s Day to collect outgrown toys from families for use in local childcare centers.

The program aims to increase the amount of learning materials and toys available at 33,120 anganwadis, which are community-run childcare centers in the Indian state of Keralam. Officials say the project also seeks to teach children about social responsibility and the importance of sharing from a young age.

Parents or children can use a dedicated web application to register and donate items. The app uses GPS to identify the nearest center and allows people living outside their home district to donate toys anywhere in the state. After a donation is made, an ICDS supervisor verifies the item and provides the donor with a digital certificate containing a QR code. The department plans to run a statewide campaign with schools and local government bodies to increase participation.