The Gift of Play
Help us build a play therapy collection for children by donating toys, sharing the project, or partnering with us.
Some children walk into therapy carrying things that no child should ever have to carry—abuse, violence, neglect, loss, fear, and chaos. Experiences that can fundamentally change the way they see themselves, other people, and the world around them. In a play therapy room, a toy is rarely just a toy. A worn-out action figure can become courage. A dollhouse can become a story that has never been spoken aloud. A toy animal can become safety. Through play, children often communicate what happened long before they have the words to explain it. The Gift of Play is rooted in the belief that healing does not always require something new. Sometimes what is sitting forgotten in a closet, packed away in a box, or gathering dust on a shelf can become a meaningful part of a child's journey toward hope, trust, and healing. What one child has outgrown may become exactly what another child needs.
One Toy Can…
Help a child process grief
Help a child practice social skills
Help a child express anger safely
Help a child reenact and make sense of difficult experiences
Help a child experience joy and connection
Reach out using one of the buttons below or send me a message on Facebook. If it's easier, I'll happily come to you and pick up the donation myself—one less thing for you to worry about and one more step toward helping a child.
DONATE HERE ⬇️
To be honest, I initially wanted to avoid accepting monetary donations or asking anyone to purchase items. I want the heart of this project to be about community, connection, and giving what you already have. However, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of people who have asked for a way to contribute financially or purchase specific items. For that reason, I've included an Amazon wishlist for those who would like to support the project in that way. I am deeply grateful for every act of generosity, whether it's a toy, a shared post, a kind word, or a purchased item. Thank you!
Original Post, Facebook - 6/10/26
Hey, everyone.
My name is Colton Cooper. I'm a soon-to-be mental health therapist, and I primarily work with children, adolescents, and families. I have an idea, and I'm hoping our community might help.
Over the years, I've found myself continually drawn to supporting children who have experienced adversity and helping them find safety, connection, and hope. One thing I believe deeply is that some kids survive incredibly difficult circumstances because of one relationship—one adult who remained safe, predictable, and steady when the world around them was not. Every day, that's what I hope to be for the children I support.
As I continue shaping the kind of therapist I want to be, I'm increasingly drawn to incorporating play as a central part of helping children heal and grow. Play is the natural language of childhood, providing children a way to express emotions, experiences, questions, and concerns that may not yet have words. Toys, art supplies, sand trays, figurines, games, and creative activities aren't just things to keep children busy—they can become tools for healing.
So here's where I need your help. I'm not asking for money. I'm not asking anyone to buy anything. I'm simply wondering if you have toys, figurines, dolls, action figures, toy animals, toy vehicles, art supplies, play sets, miniatures, puppets, or other child-friendly items sitting in a closet, garage, storage tote, or toy box that are no longer being used. Rather than throwing them away, I'd love the opportunity to give them a second life.
My hope is to build a collection of play therapy and sand tray materials that will be used by real children in real therapy sessions right here in our community. If the response is larger than expected, I'd even love to find ways to share resources with other local play therapists and helping professionals throughout the River Valley. At this point, I'd be happy to pick up donated items personally.
And if only one toy gets donated, that's okay, too. Just know it will eventually find its way into the hands of a child who can use it to imagine, create, express, process, and heal. If you'd like to donate items or have questions about play therapy, feel free to reach out. Thank you for helping turn things that are no longer needed into something that might make a real difference in a child's life.
If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing—one share might connect a forgotten toy with a child who needs it far more than we'll ever know.
Colton Cooper
479-551-8428
