Give Toys a Second Life and Build a Greener Future
Be the heartbeat of our Swap&Play events across Ireland, connect with your community, and make a tangible difference for the planet—one toy at a time.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH THE TOY LIBRARY
More Than Just Lending a Hand
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a Swap&Play event. When you volunteer, you aren’t just helping out; you’re part of Ireland’s first circular economy platform for toys!
- Fight Landfill: Every toy you help rehome is one less item ending up in a landfill.
- Build Community: Connect with like-minded, passionate people in your local area. Whether you’re in a city centre or a rural village, you’re joining a nationwide movement.
- See the Difference: At the end of every event, you’ll receive a social impact report showing exactly how many toys were saved and families helped.
Practical Infos And Quick Facts
Swap&Play events are joyful, inclusive spaces where families can access sustainable play and build stronger local connections. You can be part of this, too!
COUNT ME IN
What does volunteering involve?
You’ll be the friendly face guiding families, managing toy swap areas, or bringing energy to stations like the Teddy Bear Hub or Eco Crafting.
When do Swap&Play events take place?
Usually on weekends, rarely weekdays, lasting 2 to 3 hours—plus a little organisational extra time. Every event includes coffee breaks, friendly chats, and lots of smiles!
Who's a good fit for the role?
Kind, reliable, and playful people with a warm smile. No experience needed—if you love working with children and your community, you’re already halfway there.
Where will you volunteer?
Events happen across Ireland, from city centres to rural communities, depending on our local authority partners. You choose which event to join!
What to Expect
We want you to feel confident and ready before you even arrive. You’ll be fully supported. For added peace of mind, here's what a day in the life of a Volunteer Toy Librarian looks like.
Pre-Event Prep
You’ll be invited to a short Zoom call to meet the Event Manager and fellow volunteers. You’ll also join a dedicated WhatsApp group for easy communication.
The Event Flow
- Setup (1–1.5 hrs): Getting stations ready and toys organised.
- Live Event (2–3 hrs): Your assigned role—could be check-in, managing the toy swap, or running fun activities.
- Clean-up (30–60 mins): Tying up loose ends and leaving the venue tidy.
The Vibe
Lively, well-organised, and full of good energy. You’ll be working alongside a supportive team that values teamwork and flexibility.
REQUIREMENTS
Who We’re Looking For
We look for volunteers who bring the following to the table:
- Kindness & Warmth: A friendly smile and patience go a long way in creating a welcoming space for all families.
- Great with Children: Comfortable engaging with kids in a gentle, encouraging, and playful way.
- Reliability: We rely on our team! We ask that you arrive on time and follow through on your commitments.
- Team Player: You’re supportive, communicative, and happy to jump in wherever help is needed.
- Inclusivity: You treat everyone with respect and help foster a sense of belonging for all backgrounds.
- Willingness to Learn: Every event is unique. We’ll guide you through your role, so just bring an open mind!
Ready To Join The Movement?
If you’re looking for a fun, meaningful way to give back, meet neighbours, and support sustainability, we’d love to have you. All you need to do is to fill out our quick onboarding form, join our next volunteer Zoom call, and show up and play!
START YOUR VOLUNTEER JOURNEY