Mangaluru: In its second outreach programme held on March 31, the Johnlyn Toy Exchange delighted 34 residential children of Chinnara Thangudhama (a transit home for urban education-deprived children) at Kapikad, Bejai. Chinnara (tiny tots’) home is run by Prajna Counselling Centre helmed by Prof. Hilda Rayappan.

Each of the children, both boys and girls, in the age range of 6 to 14, were presented with gift hampers comprising toys, play-things and children’s books, along with a rocking horse and other play apparatuses for collective use. Also presented were 14 pairs of trousers which Prof. Hilda Rayappan said would suit older boys who had left Chinnara Thangudama and whose progress she tracks.

Before the presentation of these gifts, the children enthusiastically participated in a short version of a Bondel Laughter Club session anchored by John Monteiro, who leads the Toy Exchange Project and the Laughter Club. The children presented songs and dances to the delight of all. They were treated to refreshments at the end of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohan Monteiro, part of the core team of the Toys Project, said that the programme had been done at two children’s homes so far and was only the beginning. The challenge is to reach out to the rest of the 2020 children in 68 such homes in Mangaluru and its suburbs, he added. He appealed to the prospective donors of toys and books to join the action and help the toy project in its long haul. Toys and books in good condition can be delivered to Johnlyn Cottage, Vijaya Bank Lane, Bondel Junction. For details call 98862 76608.