Play-It-Forward

Who We Are

A passionate team of NUS college students committed to creating positive change in our community through this non-profit initiative.

We believe that every child deserves access to quality toys that support their development, regardless of their family's financial situation. We have observed how excess toys accumulate in some households while other families struggle to provide educational play materials for their children. Having grown up with toys that shaped our own childhood experiences, we're committed to ensuring the next generation has those same opportunities to learn, grow, and play. Hence, Play-It-Forward.

NUS Building

Image from https://www.yale-nus.edu.sg/about-yale-nus/

Scattered toys on floor

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels

What we want to address

There is an overlooked mismatch of surplus of toys from older, bigger families and deficit of toys from newer, lower income families

  • Family sizes in Singapore have decreased from 3.47 to 3.11 persons (2013-2023)
  • Children lose interest in toys within 36 days on average
  • 20% of parents report children lose interest within 11 hours
  • Low-income families struggle to provide educational toys for early childhood development
  • Excess toys end up in landfills despite being in good condition

Our Mission

We aim to bridge the gap between households with surplus toys and low-income families in Singapore lacking access to age-appropriate toys. We aim to promote sustainability while supporting early childhood development.



Our Vision

A Singapore where no toy goes to waste and every child has access to quality play experiences that nurture their development.

Colorful toys

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Our Approach

Using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, we leverage existing community resources and partnerships to create sustainable solutions through direct refurbishment by our team.

ABCD focuses on what communities have, not what they lack.

Using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, we leverage existing community resources and partnerships to create sustainable solutions through direct refurbishment by our team.

How It Works

1

Collection

  • Selection and set up donation drive
  • Online promotion
  • Initial Sorting by condition and type
2

Refurbishment

  • Basic wipe down of every toy
  • Hand wash + washing machine + dryer cleaning of soft toys
  • Stitching done if necessary
3

Distribution

  • Liaising with partners to set up booth
  • Shortlisting toys to bring down with partners
  • Beneficiaries are empowered to choose the toys they want
4

Evaluation

  • Identifying what we did well/ could do better
  • Seeking feedback from partners and beneficiaries
  • Update inventory

Approx 6 months per event