For families like Nadia Francis and her daughter Ophelia, Allsorts isn’t just a place to borrow toys – it’s about support, connection and happiness.
Ophelia, a playful four-year-old, has been part of the Allsorts family since she was just nine months old. Ophelia is nonverbal, unable to walk and button fed but she finds immense joy at Allsorts.
“When I say to her in the morning, ‘Shall we go to Allsorts?’ her face lights up,” says Nadia, reflecting on how Allsorts brings joy to Ophelia.
The Allsorts Toy Library is more than a collection of toys, it’s often a lifeline for children who need specialised toys to play, learn and grow. The Toy Library is usually the first service for new members of Allsorts, who are often at the beginning of their journey with disability.
According to a new report by Newlife, disabled children’s basic needs are not being met, with three in five families are unable to access the specialist equipment they desperately need.
Nadia explains how crucial it is to have continued access to such resources: “Allsorts is a popular place, so some of the toys are already on loan. We have to wait quite a while until a toy becomes available.
“These aren’t toys you find in typical shops. They’re specially made for children with special needs and they’re very expensive – a lot of us parents can’t afford them.”
This Christmas, help fill our shelves and bring more smiles
The Allsorts Toy Library shelves are running low and we need your help to keep them filled. With your support, we can purchase new toys and replace worn-out equipment, ensuring that families like Nadia’s have continued access to the resources that make their lives brighter.
Allsorts is a vital resource that local families rely on, not only for its equipment and activities, but its sense of belonging. Nadia explains, “It’s extremely important because there isn’t a place like this around locally, I’d have to drive for miles.
“Allsorts is an absolute gem here in Stroud for our disability community.”
Here’s how your donation can make a difference
- £15 can buy a sensory toy to spark a child’s imagination
- £50 could fund a weighted blanket, offering comfort to children who need it
- £200 would fund the Toy Library for a day, keeping it open and accessible to families across Gloucestershire.
Together, we can keep the doors of Allsorts open for children like Ophelia, who rely on this safe space to make friends, learn and play.
Please donate to help us fill the shelves of the Toy Library and bring joy to even more families this Christmas.