Recycling kids' toys to help charity

An acquaintance, who has moaned in the past about lack of space, has a room in their house stuffed full of toys. They won't donate them to charity or give the toys away because they paid so much for them in the first place.

I really had to bite my tongue.

I'm a huge fan of second hand toys; when you are done you just hand them straight back to a charity store and I'm also a believer that the growth of the self-storage facility speaks volumes about us a society and where we are headed.

That's why I think organisations such as Kidz Swap Shop are great and remain happy to promote their events.

Kidz Toy Swap is holding a special Christmas event at Runamokka, Whitley Bay this coming Saturday 5th December, 2009. Parents are asked to bring along up to 5 good quality working toys (with one being donated to St Oswalds Hospice) and go away with up to 4 toys from fellow swappers.

Also at this great event is Talking Tots offering free sessions to entertain the kids and some stalls to help you with those Christmas presents!

Other attractions include Santa and scrummy cakes will be for sale too.

Entry £5 for whole family. 0-2 year olds 10-11am, 2-5 year olds 11-12noon