New toy joy at Sonshine

The Sonshine Toy Library has emerged from the pandemic ready to continue serving local families and children.
The library, located at 26 Cambridge Drive, Warragul, stocks about 2000 toys and allows people to borrow items or spend a few hours playing at the library.
Books, costumes, DVDs, puzzles, construction and manipulative toys, and large outdoor items are among the items available to patrons.
During the pandemic, the library's services were interrupted and they had to run a click and collect system for borrowers.
However, volunteer Cathy Almond said that restrictions did provide a chance to update the building's interior and organise their massive toy collection.
"It was sad to be shut... but it was nice that we could still offer a service," Ms Almond said.
"People could only come to the door and drop things off. We had to quarantine toys. It was very difficult,"
"It's absolutely fantastic to be open again, it's really exciting," she added.
Ms Almond has been volunteering at the library for 17 years, and still enjoys every moment of it.
"I love serving the community and I love being available to people and giving them so many choices," she said.
Most of the toys available cater to children aged zero to five, however, there are some toys for children up to about seven years old.
The library also caters to children with disabilities. Ms Almond said they have items like brail books and brail balls available.
There are also books in a variety of different languages.
Ms Almond said there are many benefits to borrowing toys.
"I think the biggest benefits are that you get new toy joy every time you borrow. It's something different for the kids," she said.
"Some of the toys are quite large, stuff people wouldn't keep in their house because it's too big."
The library is run by Christian volunteers from various churches within the Baw Baw Shire.
The Sonshine Toy Library is open on Tuesdays from 9am to 12pm, and Thursdays from 9am to 12pm, and 1pm to 3.30pm (during school terms).