A London mother’s Facebook post has turned into a growing community effort to help parents make the holidays a little brighter.
Her name is Alexandra Karagiannis, a 20-year-old personal support worker student, who is the creator of the London, Ont., Toy Trade Facebook group.
“I’ve noticed a lot of parents who struggle and have been asking on different Facebook groups about toys and kids’ items,” Karagiannis said. “I thought I could make a group specifically for children’s second-hand items.”
The online group allows parents to donate or trade gently used children’s toys, clothes and books.
Since launching just a week ago, the London, Ont., Toy Trade has already attracted dozens of members.
“I’ve had a mom ask for clothes for her toddler, and a few others who’ve donated their own kids’ items,” she said.
In addition to providing financial relief, the group encourages sustainable gift-giving by keeping toys and clothes out of landfills.
“I just hope it gains more traction so parents have that option, whether they fall on hard times or just want to give back,” Karagiannis said.
She said she was inspired by community programs that helped her as a young mother, and now hopes her initiative will help others in the same way.
Toy Trade Group on Facebook (Daniel Monroy – XFM News)
