This festive season, up to 4,000 toys will be collected and distributed to the children of needy families through a community initiative called “A Present to My Friend”.

This is the latest project by Food from the Heart (FFTH), the mobile breadline that rescues leftover bakery goods and gives them to the needy. Since its inception in February 2003, FFTH has stepped up its deliveries to include toiletries and other non-perishables – and in this case, personal toys from children of more affluent families.

The two designated “giving” schools that have encouraged its students to participate as a goodwill gesture are Anglo Chinese School (J) and Rosyth Primary School. Toys collected from these schools will be distributed to about 12 neighbourhood schools, as well as three affiliated charities in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.

“The success of our first food drive in September has inspired us to embark on another community project with Food from the Heart. With this toy drive, we hope that our pupils will find joy in sharing and experience a sense of satisfaction, knowing that their toys are able to brighten another child’s life and bring happiness and laughter to them,” said Mrs Elizabeth Chan, principal of Rosyth Primary School.

Fengshan Primary School, among one of the 12 “receiving” schools, couldn’t be more delighted. Said the school’s principal Soh Mei Foong: “It’s a privilege for us to participate in this exciting project. It warms our hearts to know that there are so many caring donors. On behalf of our needy students, we would like to thank Food from the Heart for initiating this project.”

According to FFTH founder Christine Laimer, toys at the receiving schools will be displayed as they would in a toy store, with decorations such as posters put up by children from the receiving schools. Each child is able to select two toys, out of a choice of four.
“We do not want to just dump a toy on a child because that’s not the way to spread joy. It is about giving.” she explained.

Main sponsor DHL is also doing its bid to bring joy and cheer to Singapore’s less privileged families. The express and logistics giant will donate 700 of its Jumbo boxes to pack the estimated 4,000 toys, as well as provide the delivery of these boxes to some of the designated schools.

Ms Yasmin Aladad Khan, General Manager of DHL Express Singapore said, “As a responsible corporate citizen, DHL believes in giving back to the communities in which it operates. We are happy to partner with a truly worthy cause like Food from the Heart for this festive season. These little acts of kindness make a huge difference in people’s lives, and we want to help in any way we can. In fact, this is an extension of our Veggie Express, where we deliver fresh vegetables to senior citizens every week.”

The Idea Factory, which spearheaded the project, was able to mobilize a sizable group of volunteers to lend their services. Said spokesperson Cecilia Chua: “The experience has been wonderful. Seeing how a small idea of getting students to share their toys with others and leading to so many people giving of their time and energy; that has been magical.”