It was a morning filled with colour and compassion at Virginia Preparatory School, where learners from Grades four to seven showed how creativity can become a powerful tool for social change. In a heartwarming event spearheaded by Clothes To Good, a textile recycling and disability empowerment organisation, these young crafters transformed everyday items into 600 handmade educational toys.
The initiative, part of a larger social impact project by Clothes To Good, aims to provide under-resourced preschools and children with disabilities with stimulating playthings that support early childhood development (ECD). Tammy Greyling, the organisation’s operations director, explained their unique approach: “We collect everything from fabrics and buttons to zippers and belts. Whatever we can’t upcycle into new items gets weighed and recycled, and the funds raised support programmes like this one — where creativity meets community upliftment.”
Each child received a pre-packed “kit” containing an assortment of upcycled materials. According to Hayley Norton Smith, an administrator at the school, four distinct toy designs were created by Clothes To Good to suit each grade level. “For instance, the Grade four learners built a ‘caterpillar’ toy using cut-up straws, shoelaces, bottle tops and stickers. It’s simple, yet so engaging. The children loved it — and what’s more, they understood they were making a real difference,” Smith explained.
The toys, designed by both an occupational and a speech therapist, are more than just fun; they are functional. Greyling highlighted their developmental purpose, stating: “They help develop fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, and even early numeracy and problem-solving skills. The best part? The kids making them are learning empathy, social responsibility, and creative thinking — all at once.”
By the end of the interactive session, the learners had collectively produced an impressive 600 toys. These will now be distributed to local organisations, including The Domino Foundation, whose ECD programme supports vulnerable communities. Zanele Nzimakwe, a representative from the foundation, expressed her deep gratitude. “These toys will go to our partnering ECDs which are desperate for stimulating educational tools,” she said. “It’s about giving children a chance to learn through play — something many take for granted.”
Other beneficiaries of the initiative include Sinakekele Children, a care facility for abandoned babies, and The Seed Fund, which empowers rural and underprivileged communities.
“The support from Virginia Prep has been overwhelming,” Nzimakwe added. “We are deeply thankful to Hayley, the staff, the learners, and of course Clothes to Good. These toys may look small, but the impact they’ll have is enormous.”
The project not only showcased the power of recycling but also served as a testament to how young people, given the right tools and guidance, can contribute meaningfully to social upliftment. The children gained a profound sense of purpose, pride, and the joy of giving back
