Get Involved

Why give?

  • ✽

    Spark Creativity & Learning

    Your donation of loose parts gives children open-ended materials to explore, imagine, and create in their own unique ways.

  • ✽

    Support Child-Led Play

    Help provide resources that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and hands-on discovery every day.

  • ✽

    Be Part of Their Growth

    Join a community that values meaningful, play-based learning experiences for young children.

  • ✽

    Create Lasting Impact

    Loose parts can be reused and rediscovered again and again, supporting long-term learning and development.

  • ✽

    Enrich Local Classrooms

    Your contribution directly benefits children at Creative Beginnings, enhancing their daily play and learning environment.

  • ✽

    Inspire Wonder & Imagination

    Simple materials can lead to big ideas—your generosity helps nurture creativity in the next generation.

Donations of Program Materials

How Things Work Parts

  • Old clocks (working or not)
  • Gears, springs, hinges
  • Door handles, knobs, locks
  • Drawer slides & mechanisms
  • Faucet handles & valves
  • Safe electronic parts
  • Measuring tools
  • Old scales
  • Typewriter parts
  • Keys, remotes, keyboards

Creative Studio Materials

  • Scarves & light fabrics
  • Curtains & table runners
  • Lace, doilies
  • Embroidery hoops
  • Wooden frames
  • Fabric loops/tubes
  • Sponges (varied texture)
  • Feathers
  • Wind chimes & bells

Light & Reflection Play

  • Mirrors & reflective materials
  • Flashlights
  • Overhead projectors
  • Light filters or gels
  • String lights
  • Clear plastics & umbrellas
  • Glass gems or marbles
  • Prisms
  • Old CDs

Outdoor & Large Materials

  • Wooden ladders
  • Old doors (solid wood)
  • Gutter sections
  • Hoses
  • Large cardboard tubes
  • Wood crates
  • Tires (clean)
  • Tarps & canvas sheets
  • Benches & low tables
  • Rope

Industrial Materials

  • Cable spools
  • Pipes & tubes
  • Large baskets
  • Containers for storage
  • Large kitchen utensils
  • Pots & pans
  • Glass jars
  • Wood furniture pieces

Natural Materials

  • Driftwood & stumps
  • Tree branches
  • Pinecones
  • Seeds & soil types
  • Pebbles & gravel
  • Slate stones
  • Dried moss
  • Bamboo & reeds
  • Plants & herbs

Not Accepted

  • Plastic toys
  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Stuffed animals
  • Large furniture (unless requested)
  • Egg cartons
Explore More

What People Are Saying

“The simple materials have made such a difference. The children are more engaged, creative, and excited to learn every day.”

— Creative Beginnings Educator

“Donating loose materials felt small at first, but seeing how they’re used has been incredibly rewarding.”

— Community Donor

Make a Donation

When you give to Creative Beginnings, you’re helping create a rich, inspiring environment where children can learn, explore, and grow through play. Your donation—especially of loose parts and creative materials—supports hands-on discovery, nurtures imagination, and strengthens our child-centred approach.

Fuel Creative Play

Volunteer with us

Whether it’s a few hours or a full day, your time and talents can help support children, families, and our community as they grow and thrive. Join us in creating meaningful experiences and lasting impact at Creative Beginnings.

What to Expect

Get involved in programs right at the heart of Creative Beginnings! Volunteers can support specific rooms and age groups, helping with daily activities, play-based learning, and special programs. It’s a hands-on way to connect with children and educators while making a meaningful impact where it matters most.

  • Submit a volunteer application

  • We review and follow up

  • Attend orientation

  • Get matched and get started

How it Works

- Community Volunteer

“Volunteering with Creative Beginnings has been such a rewarding experience—seeing the joy and growth in the children, even in small moments, reminds me how meaningful community support really is.”

Volunteer Now

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, we gratefully accept monetary donations. Financial contributions help us support our programs, enhance resources, and continue making a meaningful impact in our community.

  • Yes—donations may be tax-deductible if they are new, purchased items with a receipt. We follow CRA tax guidelines for non-profit charitable organizations, so please be sure to include these details when completing the donation form.

  • Approved donated items are carefully directed to one of our four locations based on current needs, ensuring the materials you give are used where they will have the greatest impact.

  • No prior experience is necessary—just a positive attitude and willingness to help. Training and guidance are provided.

  • We offer flexible opportunities, from one-time events to ongoing weekly support—whatever fits your schedule.

  • Yes. As part of Ministry requirements, volunteers must complete a Vulnerable Sector Check before working in roles that involve direct interaction with children.