Children walk away with at least 3 toys each at Toy Buffet on 13 Nov
Local non-profit Food from the Heart (FFTH) held the Toy Buffet 2026 at ITE College Central on Friday (13 Nov).
The event welcomed children aged 5 to 12 who are under the Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme and social service agencies.
This year’s theme, ‘Cosmic Odyssey: Power Up to the Stars’, turned the school’s multi-purpose hall into a space-themed carnival.
Photo courtesy of Food from the Heart
More than 14,000 toys for children to choose from
Children arrived in batches throughout the day to collect their toys and participate in carnival games, while also enjoying performances and treats.
Thanks to the help of volunteers, each child had the pick of at least three toys to bring home, from a collection of around 14,000 new and pre-loved donations.
Each donated toy was carefully wrapped by volunteers and partners.
Photo courtesy of Food from the Heart
Every single one also came with a handwritten message from its donor, “turning every gift into a personal gesture of care and encouragement”.
Children take centre stage during the event
FFTH CEO Robin C. Lee called the children the “stars” of the event.
The theme draws inspiration from video games, encouraging children to see themselves as the main characters of their own stories.
Photo courtesy of Food from the Heart
Through these games and new experiences, the carnival celebrates the importance of the children “trying new things, overcoming challenges and building the confidence, courage and resilience to pursue their dreams”.
“Toy Buffet is about more than games and toys. It is a day for children to have fun, try something new and discover the confidence that comes from being curious, creative and brave,” said Mr Lee.
We hope every child leaves knowing that they matter, that they are capable, and that their dreams are worth pursuing.
Addressing the children directly in his opening speech, he added that every single one of them has their “own special star power”.
Photo courtesy of Food from the Heart
He also emphasised that “every child deserves… happiness, hope and the confidence to dream big”.
Event made possible by hard work of volunteers
About 1,200 volunteers helped run the carnival, from organising toy donation drives to wrapping gifts, decorating booths, managing games and accompanying the children during their visit.
Corporate partners and schools also adopted 32 toy booths, each responsible for collecting toys, decorating their booths in line with the cosmic theme and helping children choose their gifts.
Photo courtesy of Food from the Heart
FFTH also expressed its gratitude to its key partners.
ITE College Central hosted the event, with its students also performing during the opening programme.
Meanwhile, Work+Store provided storage space for donated toys, with DHL Express Singapore helping to transport the toys to the venue.
FFTH also received contributions from a multitude of cash donors, consisting of various organisations and enterprises in Singapore.
Remaining toys to be distributed to other children
FFTH will distribute the remaining toys from the carnival to children’s homes and lower-income families, extending the spirit of giving to children who were unable to attend.
These families are supported under FFTH’s Community Food Pack programme, as the charity hopes to “[ensure] that the generosity of donors reaches even more children across Singapore”.
Toy Buffet remains a signature annual FFTH event. It aims to continue to nurture a culture of kindness and shared responsibility within the community.
Readers who would like to contribute can visit www.foodfromtheheart.sg to find more information.
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Featured image courtesy of Food From the Heart.