Youngsters Can Borrow Toys From City Shelves

Following a custom that dates back to the Depression, children in the northeast region of Los Angeles now may borrow toys through a program that seeks to teach responsibility.

Children starting at age 1 may check out one toy a week from the program at Cypress Park. If the child returns it on time, clean and in good condition, he or she receives points that accumulate toward a free toy.

The Toy Loan program, which exists in other areas of Los Angeles but has not been available in northeast Los Angeles until now, is funded by the Department of Public Social Services and relies on volunteers.

Irena Seta, 37, said she decided to volunteer at Cypress Park after seeing that children who came to her home to play with her son would comment about his toys.

“Our neighbors would say ‘my God,’ he has so many toys,”, Seta said. “It occurred to me that a toy loan program could help other children.”

The Toy Loan program in Los Angeles began after two boys were caught stealing from a dime store in 1934. Probation officers who spoke with their school principal learned that the boys had good records, but their families had no money to buy toys, Seta said.

Hours for the Toy Loan Program at Cypress Park, 630 Pepper Ave., are Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m.