From hearts to hands: Children celebrate at Toy Buffet 2025

SINGAPORE – Laughter and squeals of delight filled the air as the charity carnival Toy Buffet returned on Nov 14, creating heartwarming memories for over 2,000 underprivileged children across Singapore.

Organised by local charity Food from the Heart, the annual one-day event was filled with games, snacks, and the joy of choice, as the children aged five to 12 picked out toys to take home. 

Each of the more than 12,000 new and pre-loved toys was carefully wrapped by volunteers and partners, and had a handwritten card from the donor, turning every gift into a personal gesture of encouragement.

The kids included those supported under the Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme and social service agencies.

The carnival theme, “Colour Chronicles: Choose A Hue, Discover You!”, invited children to explore colours as symbols of courage, creativity, and self-expression, with vibrant, colour-themed zones and interactive activities designed to celebrate diversity and individuality.

“This year’s theme... reminds us that every child deserves the space to dream, create, and express themselves. At a time when families are stretched by rising costs and children face increasing pressures in and outside of school, we hope Toy Buffet can offer hope and inspiration, reminding them that their potential is boundless,” said Mr Robin Lee, chief executive officer of Food from the Heart. 

Joining the carnival at ITE College Central was Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development and Law.

The Toy Buffet was supported by corporate partners, schools and volunteers. Organisations such as OCBC, DHL Express, SingPost, Ikea, as well as schools including ITE, ran toy drives, decorated booths and provided operational support throughout the day.

Around 1,600 volunteers guided the children through the games and toy selection areas, ensuring the carnival ran smoothly and making every child feel special. 

Ms Siti Rashidah Abdul Rahim, a 41-year-old Malay language teacher at Henry Park Primary School, has been taking her students to the Toy Buffet for the past five years.

This year was particularly meaningful, as her school not only sent students to enjoy the carnival, but also adopted a toy booth, fully managed by teachers and students.

Ms Rashidah led a school-wide toy donation drive during Children’s Day, overseeing the collection, storage, wrapping, and transport of more than 200 toys.

She said the most memorable moments came from watching hesitant children realise they were free to choose toys that they might not normally have.

“When a volunteer approached my students with a big Lego box, they immediately turned to look at me. I assured them that it’s fine: ‘It’s for you, enjoy the moment. You deserve it because you’ve been working hard’,” said Ms Rashidah.

For many beneficiaries, the Toy Buffet is a highlight of the year.

Norsyafiyra Abdullah, 10, a student at Henry Park Primary School, said she looked forward to picking slime and Hello Kitty plush toys, which help her relieve stress.

It was Norsyafiyra’s second time attending the event. As she moved from booth to booth, she also selected toys for her cousins and friends. 

“It is not fair that I am the only one who gets all the toys, so I feel that I should share with them, even if they don’t ask me to,” she said. “I am grateful to everyone who prepared (the gifts) and allowed me to have the toys.”

In a world that often feels hurried and divided, the Toy Buffet serves as a simple yet powerful reminder: joy multiplies when shared, and every child deserves a moment to just be a child.