Agawam Library to host third annual Holiday Used Toy Exchange Dec. 1

Nov. 14, 2018 | Stephanie Trombley
stephanie@thereminder.com

AGAWAM – Christmas is a time of cheer and giving. For some families, that may not always be a simple task. Rather than seeing toys go in the trash after little ones have outgrown them, the Agawam Public Library is hosting their third annual Holiday Used Toy Exchange on Dec. 1.

Nancy Bobskill, who has coordinated the Holiday Used Toy Exchange since its inception, explained, “Three years ago, I started with a few friends of mine a club to promote reuse. We started the annual used toy exchange. We teamed up with a couple of groups from high school such as the SAVE Club and the National Honor Society. The main purpose is to promote reuse is normal.”

During the week of Nov. 26, the SAVE Club collect gently used toys from students and staff at Agawam High School. On Nov. 30, the community is invited to bring in used toys to Agawam Public Library. After school is released that afternoon, volunteers from Agawam High School set up a “toy store” inside of the library. The following day, shopping is open to the public. It is free to shop and donations are not mandatory.

If the library receives a toy that may be considered popular or a big-ticket item, these toys are set up in a separate room. Shoppers received a raffle ticket they may use to enter to win them.

During shopping, children are kept away from the room to create an element of surprise for the holidays. Bobskill shared, “We have it set up where young kids don’t go in, but there are children’s activities in the children’s section of the library. We make it a fun day for them.” For the third year, Six Flags New England has volunteered to send characters to the event for entertainment.

Being a part of the used toy exchange is fulfilling for volunteers and participants. Bobskill shared, “The people that volunteer really love volunteering. The people who get toys are very thankful. We put this activity in place where everyone feels welcome. It’s not income-based, anyone who would like to participate can. Some people have stuff and would love to give it away if they know it will go to a nice home.”

The community is respectful in making sure there are enough toys to go around to all in need. “People are very kind in the way they shop and what they are taking. There’s a nice holiday spirit. They take what they think their child will use. There’s a nice community feel. We act as we are all community partners in there.”

Bobskill is happy to host the event for the third year. “It’s really great that students from Agawam High School are willing to put in the effort and time for such a worthwhile event. People feel joyful and appreciative for the event.”

Donations will be accepted on Friday at the Agawam Public Library. Shopping is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 1.

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