EALING Toy Library has launched a '12 Days of Kindness' campaign where they are donating to 12 different local charities in the run up to Christmas.

The Toy Library was set up by two women in 2019 as an alternative for parents instead of having to buy new toys for their children all the time.

Simmi Bajaj, responsible for running the day-to-day aspects of the business, told Nub News: "My husband is from New Zealand and toy libraries are a big thing over there and I felt like it would be a good idea to bring one to Ealing.

"A lot of people in Ealing don't necessarily have the space in their homes for new toys, but also can't always afford to buy them either, especially when a child is still growing and will only play with said toy for a few months or so."

A subscription to the Toy Library only costs £5 per month and at the same time also helps protect the environment.

Bajaj added: "By borrowing toys instead of buying new ones all the time, people help cut down on plastic packaging but also prevent toys ending up in landfill when the children no longer want to play with them.

"We pride ourselves in being as eco-friendly as we can be."

Bajaj also works full-time as a marketing consultant, so has allocated a two-hour period during the week where people can come and collect toys, which they have reserved, between 4:30pm and 6:30pm on Fridays.

Upon their return, all toys are quarantined for a week before she deep cleans them in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Toy Library is currently operated from Bajaj's home in South Ealing but next year she wants to relocate to a different venue that can turn into the library's permanent home.

"The business is growing well, but it's not easy running it from my home when I'm working a full-time job and also have two kids," she said.

As part of the growth and success the business has had, the mum-of-two felt like she wanted to give something back to the community, which is why she launched the '12 Days of Kindness' campaign.

She said: "Although we haven't made a lot of money since we started last year, I feel like this year has been really tough for people and I want to give something back.

"So over 12 days we are donating money and toys to different charities across Ealing that have the same values as us, particularly when it comes to supporting children."

So far she has completed 10 days of kindness and is looking for suggestions on who the last two recipient charities should be.

"We've collaborated with charities that are close to my heart, but I'd love some more suggestions in case we've missed some that are doing truly meaningful work in the community."