Thursday, August 21, 2025

LA County Seeks Partners for Toy Loan Program

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services was seeking sought community partners Wednesday to help expand its Toy Loan Program for children in underserved areas.

DPSS called upon organizations such as youth centers, parks and schools to participate in the program and serve as toy lending centers, where children can borrow free toys the same way books are checked out from a library. The program is based on the idea that every child regardless of their family’s income level deserves a toy and playing is an essential component of a child’s development, according to the department.

Children who participate in the program and return borrowed toys on time and in good condition earn points toward “honor borrower” status, meaning they can pick out rewards from the program’s “honor cabinet.”

The department recently opened a lending center in Lincoln Heights, following the closure of several locations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. DPSS previously had 50 community lending services that served more than 30,000 children annually — but the number of centers has been reduced to 30.

The program was also impacted by a fire in 2022 that destroyed its downtown Los Angeles headquarters and toy supply inventory. Despite the challenges, the program is being rebuilt stronger than ever, according to the department.

Community organizations interested in partnering with DPSS will receive toys and staff training to launch and operate a lending center. The county recommended a minimum of two hours per week for a center’s operating hours.

County officials began the Toy Loan Program in May 1935 during the Great Depression, making it one of the longest running community-based initiatives in the nation. More than 2 million children have benefited from the lending centers and other services.

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