Phuket’s first Toy Library opens

WICHIT: Muang District Chief Wisit Kurattanavate today officially opened Phuket’s first “Toy Library”, which has been set up at the childcare center at Wat Thepnimit on Chao Fa East Rd.

Organized by the Phuket Community Foundation (PCF), Phuket International Hospital (PIH) and Wichit Municipality, which is responsible for the government-run childcare center, the toy library aims to give underprivileged children the chance to play with toys they otherwise would not be able to enjoy as they come from poor families.

Khun Wisit said, “The toy library has toys and kids’ books donated by both Phuket people and foreigners. The project also includes storytelling for kids.

“All of this is very nice for our children. I would like to thank all the government officers involved, as well as the Van Leer Group Foundation, businesspeople and other people involved,” he said.

Rien van Gendt, Executive Director of Netherlands-based Van Leer Group Foundation, the major fund provider for the project, returned the compliment, saying, “I’d like to thank the Phuket Community Foundation, Phuket International Hospital and Wichit Municipality for such a nice project that’s really good for the children.”

PCF President Niyom Tassaneetipakorn said, “This library will help children develop their creativity and learn to socialize. As the library has only just opened, children cannot borrow the toys and take them home just yet – even though that is the ultimate goal of this project. For now, we are still inviting donations of toys and kids’ books.”

The toy library is open daily from 7 am to 8:30 am, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, and from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Donations of toys or childrens’ books may be dropped off at the PIH reception desk or given to PIH Marketing Manager Piyarat Kulvanich or any member of her team.

Naturally, a constant flow of donated toys will be required to replace those that break or wear out. Commitments from donors willing to underwrite a replacement program are also welcome.

For more information, contact PCF Office Manager Jeerapat “Ann” Muadtip (Tel: 084-4428004, Email: info@phuketcf.org) or Ajarn Pranee Sakulpipatana (Tel: 081-6933576, Email: pranee81@yahoo.com).

While the children were delving into the new toy boxes, students from Phuket Technology College were replacing broken motorbike taillights for free at the entrance to Wat Thepnimit in another PCF project to help save lives on Phuket roads.

This is the second time the PCF has organized the free-taillight project. The first time was in front of Surakul Stadium in November last year. Others involved in the free taillight project are Wichit Municipality, AR Holding Co Ltd, Ruampong Motor Co Ltd, South West Suzuki and Numsang Co Ltd.