I
f you’ve already seen our Play Action Plan Phase One, you might have noticed we’re asking for donations, either via the Jingle Jog fundraiser or physical donations. A few people have asked for a bit more guidance on this, so here’s a wishlist from OPAL, our inspiration for this project.
We’ve also set up a shopping list on Amazon if anyone would prefer to donate by buying on our behalf there. This should develop further over the next few days: https://amzn.eu/dBlSeG2
Remember, all of our requests are for voluntary contributions; no one should feel they have to. We all have different circumstances.
Common OPAL Resources (Donation Wishlist)
- Construction & Building: Cardboard boxes, planks of wood (sanded), pallets, carpet squares/offcuts, bricks, large cardboard tubes, cable drums, PVC pipes/guttering.
- Fabrics & Textiles: Old clothes (jackets, hats, overalls), sheets, curtains, parachute material, large bags, sacks, sofa cushions, dressing-up items.
- Wheels & Movement: Bicycle wheels/tyres, small car wheels, office chairs, pushchairs, tricycles, rolling carriers, steering wheels, tyres (no car tyres).
- Kitchen & Household: Pots, pans, metal trays, lids, colanders, plastic bowls/tubs, buckets, watering cans, old appliances (hoovers, microwaves – non-working), sinks/tubs, laundry baskets, CD’s.
- Garden & Outdoor: Rakes, small child-friendly tools, traffic cones, ropes, string, tarps, dumpy bags, large pegs, wellies, hoses, stones, leaves, sand, gravel.
- Miscellaneous: Suitcases/briefcases, animal figures, small world toys (dinosaurs, dolls, cars), musical instruments (keyboards), netting (fishing, cargo).
Key Principles
- Loose Parts: Items that can be moved, carried, combined, and used in many ways.
- Safety: Materials should be clean, safe (no sharp edges), and age-appropriate, with risk assessments in place.
- Variety: A wide range of textures, sizes, and shapes promotes diverse play.