Interview: Vidyun Goel, Founder & Director of The Toy Bank, a Charitable Trust

An interview with Vidyun Goel, Founder & Director of The Toy Bank, a Charitable Trust that collects used toys, fixes them and gives them away to unprivileged children

We are honored to speak with Ms. Vidyun Goel, Founder and Director of The Toy Bank, a charitable trust dedicated to bringing joy to underprivileged children through the gift of refurbished toys. Ms. Goel’s innovative approach to toy collection and distribution has made a significant impact on countless young lives.

Today, we’ll delve into her inspiring journey, the mission behind The Toy Bank, and the transformative power of giving.

What inspired you to start the Toy Bank Charitable Trust, and how did you come up with the mission “Recycle Toys – Recycle Smiles”?

Vidyun Goel: The inspiration for the Toy Bank Charitable Trust stemmed from my childhood experiences of sharing toys with children in nearby slum areas. My parents instilled in me the value of humility through these interactions.

This early exposure to the joy of giving motivated me to leave my corporate job after a decade and commit full-time to serving underprivileged children. Every child deserves a playful childhood, and toys are not just for leisure but are also powerful educational tools. The emotional impact of our work is profound, and it’s this connection that drives our mission.

One innovative approach we implemented at The Toy Bank was reallocating resources from one individual to another. Instead of purchasing new toys, we encouraged people to donate their used toys, which we then refurbished and organised into age-appropriate, gender-neutral toy kits.

This initiative significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with toy production. By recycling and upcycling toys, we promote environmental sustainability and instil values of sharing and caring in the community. Thus, the mission “Recycle Toys – Recycle Smiles” was born, embodying our commitment to spreading joy and sustainability.

What were some of the initial challenges you faced when establishing Toy Bank, and how did you overcome them?

Vidyun Goel: One of our primary challenges was reaching out to schools and setting up collection centres. During that time, social media platforms were less prevalent than they are today. I had to sit at PCO booths and make numerous phone calls to different schools in Delhi to convince them to host toy collection drives.

The concept was new to school authorities, making it difficult to persuade them initially. However, through persistence and determination, we partnered with over 150 private schools in the Delhi NCR region.

Another significant challenge was logistics. We knew little about the logistics when we first sent cartons outside Delhi. Fortunately, great mentors guided me through the railway parcel system, allowing us to send cartons at an affordable price. These experiences taught us valuable lessons and helped us establish a robust network for toy distribution.

Can you walk us through the process of how toys are collected, refurbished, and distributed by your organisation?

Vidyun Goel: Our unique toy collection process begins with gathering toys from various sources in the Delhi-NCR area, including schools, offices, and our own collection centres.

These toys are then transported to our sorting centre, where a dedicated team inspects each toy for potential reuse and repairs it when necessary. Once restored, the toys are sorted by type and categorised based on their potential for aiding in therapy and education.

For instance, musical, sound, and light toys are designated for autistic children, while Braille boards are reserved for visually impaired children.

We aim to ensure that all children, especially those in disadvantaged circumstances, can access toys to aid their development. We promote gender neutrality by allowing children to choose and play with whatever toys they like, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

How do you engage with local communities, schools, and businesses to support your mission and encourage toy donations?

Vidyun Goel: To support our mission and encourage toy donations, we engage with local communities through workshops and events that educate individuals about the benefits of toy donation and its impact on underprivileged children. These initiatives aim to create a culture of giving and empathy among people of all ages.

Our commitment to community engagement is a critical component of our success. We collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and corporate partners to expand our reach and impact.

By working with these stakeholders, we leverage resources and expertise to provide toys to children in need, positively impacting countless children’s lives and fostering a more compassionate and caring society.

What strategies have you implemented to ensure the sustainability and growth of Toy Bank?

Vidyun Goel: To ensure the sustainability and growth of The Toy Bank, we focus on program maintenance by clearly communicating our goals and defining team roles for continuous improvement.

Regular monitoring and evaluation and mechanisms for collecting and utilising feedback from employees and stakeholders are integral to our strategy.

We foster a culture of continuous improvement at The Toy Bank. We encourage innovation, collaboration, and adaptability while providing training and recognising employee contributions.

By adapting our strategies to the organisation’s evolving needs and emphasising careful planning and execution, we aim to achieve sustainable outcomes and ensure the long-term success of The Toy Bank.

What advice would you give to individuals or groups looking to start their own charitable initiatives or social enterprises?

Vidyun Goel: With dedication and a clear vision, you can make a significant impact. For those looking to start their own charitable initiatives or social enterprises, it’s crucial to identify the skills and qualities required to achieve the desired results.

Seek out successful individuals with similar attributes and engage with potential collaborators to discuss goals and expectations. Develop a clear plan with well-defined objectives, ensuring everyone understands their role.

Monitor progress, make adjustments as needed, and celebrate small wins. Reflect on the process and outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and stay committed to your mission. With perseverance and a well-articulated vision, your efforts can truly make a difference.

Beyond basic academic skills, how does The Toy Bank’s approach aim to nurture emotional development in children? Are there specific types of upcycled toys or play activities used to achieve this goal?

Vidyun Goel: The Toy Bank focuses on creating a nurturing environment that supports children’s emotional development. While no specific toys are designed solely for emotional development, combining a safe, supportive space and engaging play activities fosters emotional growth.

Teachers trained by The Toy Bank play a crucial role in guiding children through play activities that promote self-expression, confidence, and emotional well-being. The Safe Playrooms offer a unique space where children can freely engage with toys, explore their interests, and learn to navigate emotions in a supportive setting.

This approach ensures an inclusive and gender-neutral environment, emphasising learning through play as a fundamental aspect of emotional and cognitive development.

While fundraising is a universal challenge for NGOs, what unique fundraising strategies has the trust employed to sustain its growth and reach? How can potential donors get involved in supporting the cause?

Vidyun Goel: To sustain our growth and reach, The Toy Bank is committed to consistently delivering high-quality work within the organisation. Our daily efforts focus on closing the gap and presenting our work to partners and supporters, enabling us to establish strong relationships with donors and raise funds.

We employ unique fundraising strategies such as organising events, leveraging social media, and collaborating with corporate partners. Potential donors can get involved by participating in our events, spreading awareness about our mission, and making financial contributions.

By joining us, donors can help us provide toys and educational materials to children in need, impacting their lives.

The Toy Bank’s vision extends beyond immediate needs. Can you describe some long-term goals the organisation’s long-term goals for promoting a culture of sustainable play and environmental consciousness in India?

Vidyun Goel: The Toy Bank’s long-term goals focus on enhancing the availability of toys and educational materials for all children in India while promoting sustainable play and environmental consciousness.

In the next five years, we plan to establish safe play areas in 100 government schools in Delhi and toy libraries in 1,000 Anganwadi centres nationwide. By doing so, we aim to foster a culture of sustainable play and environmental awareness, ensuring that every child has access to educational and recreational resources.

Additionally, we will focus on learning through play, integrating play-based methods to enhance cognitive and emotional development, thereby creating a holistic and engaging educational experience for children.

Many well-meaning initiatives face unforeseen obstacles. Can you share a specific challenge the trust has encountered and how it was overcome? What lessons were learned from this experience?

Vidyun Goel: One significant challenge we faced was the COVID-19 lockdown, which led to the closure of schools and Anganwadi centres, halting our safe playrooms and toy libraries. To address this, we launched the “Reach and Teach” initiative, inviting parents to collect holistic kits that included toys and learning materials for their children.

We also adapted by using digital platforms like WhatsApp to share activity-based worksheets every day, ensuring continued educational support. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and the need to address community needs, leading to developing a successful model programme that can withstand unforeseen challenges.

Our conversation with Ms. Vidyun Goel has shed light on the remarkable work of The Toy Bank and the profound difference it makes in children’s lives. Her dedication to turning used toys into sources of joy and hope exemplifies the spirit of generosity and community.

We appreciate Ms. Goel’s time and insights, and we celebrate her efforts in spreading happiness and opportunity to those who need it most. Thank you, Ms. Goel.

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