Toy bank Den Helder, intended for poor families from the Noordkop, has had a shortage of donations and volunteers since the coronalockdowns, but is seeing a huge increase in the number of registrations. Something has to be done so that children do not have to be disappointed in the future.
It seems a lot: the shelves at Toy Bank Den Helder are filled with packages of toys, something for all ages. “But I fear that we will save November with this, and then we will have to supplement it,” says Jaymie Steeman, founder of Toy Bank Den Helder.
While the number of people calling on help is increasing, Steeman sees the toy stock dwindling. Due to the corona lockdowns, the foundation was able to receive fewer donations, as a result of which the warehouse is now becoming increasingly empty.
In the video below, Jaymie shows how much stock is currently left for all 250 children who come monthly (text continues below the video).
“We get calls from parents who have great concerns,” says Jaymie. “They may have a job, but because they often suddenly have to pay 600 euros in energy, there is no money to eat, let alone to buy toys.”
To donate
That is precisely why the toy bank is so important, according to Jaymie. “Toys of age category 0-13 years are needed. Barbie, Lego and older children’s toys are also hard to come by because they are often used. Yet we ask the people: do you have Lego, I understand that you want to keep it, but bring it to U.S come on, we need it.”
In addition to a shortage of toys, the foundation can also use more volunteers. “We are stuck on several levels,” says Jaymie. Sometimes a lot has to happen before toys can be given to a child. Sorting, cleaning and checking the toys for completeness are important tasks. Extra hands are needed for that.
They are going to save Sinterklaas and Christmas anyway, but Jaymie doesn’t plan to stop after that either. “We just keep going. Left or right. I will only close when poverty is over and that is not going to happen.”