July 23rd, 2026.

That's the day our Toy Lending Library of South Dakota received an award for it's work to create opportunities for children to PLAY and learn.

It was amazing! 

Incredible!

I almost felt out of words. (imagine that! 😃)

So many of our TLL friends showed up to celebrate with us!

What they didn't know is that they were being celebrated.

Each one in the room. 

Plus the ones who couldn't come, plus the ones who no longer play in this world. 

It was a true celebration of PLAY. 

Of learning.

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But if you don't know much about it, you might ask, Why PLAY?

Because play is how young children learn best.

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And, What is PLAY?

PLAY is something you (and I, and children everywhere) do when you want, because you want and because it's fun.

The American Academy of Pediatrics say: "Research demonstrates that developmentally appropriate play with parents and peers is a singular opportunity to promote the social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self-regulation skills that build executive function and a prosocial brain."

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PLAY is also a welcoming, non intimidating way to connect. Children can play together even if they don't speak the same language. In fact, they can play together even before they can speak at all. 😊

And that's why we work so hard to create and circulate amazing toy boxes, free of charge.  

Every toy box is an invitation to PLAY, learn, connect, and grow.

Together with our Team, our volunteers and supporters, we're helping more children and families experience the power of PLAY every day.

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A huge THANK YOU to every person who helps move our mission forward.

Every act of kindness, big or small, creates change and helps shape a brighter future for children.

Thank you for believing in the power of PLAY. We couldn't do it without you.

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Most kindly,

Anelis