By  Sachin Murdeshwar

Mumbai: With a view to broaden the scope of its “care and share” initiative, Johnlyn Toy & Book Exchange (JTBE) is appealing to Mumbai residents to donate toys and books that are in a presentable format and no longer needed. JTBE hopes to tug at the heartstrings of educated and socially-conscious Mumbaikars who are willing to pitch in by giving away toys and books that also eat into their limited storage space. The toys and books collected will be distributed among disadvantaged children from deprived sections of society who cannot afford to buy them.

A brainchild of veteran journalist and author, John B. Monteiro, JTBE was launched in January 2018.

“JTBE was conceived as a community outreach programme to reach out to disadvantaged children and provide them access to toys and books in presentable condition. The mass involvement of like-minded citizens and donors remains pivotal to the sustained success of JTBE and ensuring a normal and happy childhood for children from the deprived sections of society,” stated John Monteiro, Founder, JTBE.

Mumbai donors can also spread awareness about JTBE on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups. Local chapters of humanitarian clubs like Rotary and Lions can support this mission that is emerging as a popular social brand.

To facilitate the seamless transport of the toys and books from prospective donors in Mumbai, JTBE has secured the transport partnership of Anand Travels (contact person: Valerian D’Souza M:9821664359) with its head office at 290/2, Anand Bhavan, Kumta Street, Fort, Mumbai 400001, who will accept parcels for JTBE on priority and special basis. If the donor does not wish to bear forwarding charges, Anand Travels  may either forgo such charges or the same will be paid by JTBE in Mangaluru.

The toy project has received an overwhelming response and is set for expansion through a monthly targeted distribution among intended sections of children hosted by orphanages and Balaka/ Balika Ashrams.

The book mission has tied up with four local schools and colleges in Mangaluru to donate the collected books to them; 3,000 books have already been distributed among them.

John Monteiro is placing drop-boxes in in selected educational and religious institutions in Mumbai for the collection of donated toys and books. If there is a good response from enlightened and generous Mumbaikars, John Monteiro would consider extending his beneficiaries to Mumbai, where he had resided for 40 years.