Toy Library

The Toy Library began in 1978 to aid the development of disadvantaged children ages 3-7 through play activities and toys. The pioneer for this committee was the late Soror Kay Dennis, Charter Member.

At J & H Daycare, we assisted preschoolers with reading readiness skills, established a library of educational and traditional toys, and conducted workshops for the parents.


Today, Toy Library works with the group GAPS (Grands As Parents.) GAPS is a support group for grand parents raising their grandchildren due to unforeseen circumstances.

Quaker City Alumnae Chapter has donated books to create a library in honor of GAPS and it is housed at the Church of the Advocate (18th & Diamond Streets) in North Philadelphia. Currently, this library has over 2000 books.

A dedication ceremony was held Saturday, November 1, 2003, where authors of children’s literature signed books for the guests.

On a monthly basis, we meet with GAPS and their children to share our time, and provide educational workshops. Some activities that the Toy Library has provided include:

• Reading Buddies
• Trips to Philadelphia's Department of Human Service "Back to School Fair" and Freedom Theatre's "Black Nativity"
• Lending Library
• Annual Christmas Toy Drive
• Black History Bee
• Workshops for the grands include:

  -Social Service Forum
  -Parents Second Time Around
  -Voter Registration
  -Laws and Legislation
  -Good Touch, Bad Touch