COMMUNITY PARTNERS NEEDED TO OPERATE TOY LENDING CENTERS FOR CHILDREN IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

As the County of Los Angeles commemorates the 90th anniversary of the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Toy Loan Program, the department is calling upon community organizations, such as youth centers, parks and schools, to help expand access to Toy Lending Centers for children in underserved areas of the county. 

The free centers allow children to borrow toys the same way books are checked out from a library and serve as a valuable resource for families receiving DPSS benefits. The program operates on the basis that every child, regardless of their family’s income level, deserves a toy, and playing is an essential component of a child’s development.

Current and former operators credit the centers with fostering early childhood development and helping local teachers enrich the classroom experience for students.  Incentives, such as the “Toy Loan Honor Code,” are designed to build character and instill values like honesty, courtesy, and responsibility.  Children who return borrowed toys on time and in good condition earn points toward “Honor Borrower” status to receive rewards from the program’s Honor Cabinet.

Celebrating 90 Years of Service and New Beginnings

Launched in May 1935 during the Great Depression, the DPSS Toy Loan Program is one of the longest-running community-based initiatives in the nation. More than two million children have benefited from the lending centers and other services since the opening of the first location.

In addition to lending centers, the program also hosts an annual drive to collect toiletries and clothing items for unhoused adults, a Back-to-School Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway and holiday Adopt-A-Family Program for families receiving DPSS benefits.

The recent opening of the Lending Center in Lincoln Heights is a significant milestone for the Toy Loan Program, following the closure of several locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Prior to the pandemic, nearly 50 community lending centers served more than 30,000 children annually. Currently, the number of centers has been reduced to 30.

Despite the pandemic and a 2022 fire that destroyed its downtown L.A. headquarters and toy supply inventory, the program is back, rebuilding stronger than ever. The goal of the program is to continue serving communities in all five L.A. County Supervisorial Districts at the same level it has in the past.

Community organizations interested in partnering with DPSS will receive a toy inventory and staff training to successfully launch and operate their lending centers. The recommended minimum operating hours for centers is two hours per week.

To learn more about the Toy Loan Program or how to become a Toy Lending Center operator, contact the DPSS Toy Loan Program at (213) 744-4344 or email ToyLoan@dpss.lacounty.gov.