Play – for most kids we know – it’s time for their Thomas the Tank engines, Tickle Me Elmos or PSPs. But a toy exhibit touring the United States is opening people’s eyes to what some children are playing with.

[Karyn Witzel, The Power to Play Toy Exhibit Attendee]:

“Oh, I’m amazed, they’re just beautiful. Some of the creativity of these children is incredible”.

Karyn Witzel is referring to these toys. Made by children from impoverished regions around the world. Toys that are now on display in New York City.

The exhibit is put on by children’s charitable organization, ChildFund International. CEO Anne Goddard says the toys are a testament to the spirit of children – a spirit that transcends location, race, and wealth.

[Anne, Goddard, CEO, ChildFund International]

“We were excited, because it reinforced with us even though kids might look different, might speak different languages, might eat different food, might dress differently, underneath, kids in Ethiopia  , kids in Brazil, kids in Indonesia, and kids in the US are the same. They need to play, play is a work of a child.”

Now in its second year, The Power to Play: From Trash to Treasure Toy exhibit is a showcase of what comes naturally to kids, despite tough times.

[Anne, Goddard, CEO, ChildFund International]

“It’s part of their DNA, they need to play. So even if they don’t have a toy that mum made, they’ll go out and make their toy.

Yes, these kids turn what many would consider trash, into treasures – their treasures. Anne has a special name for these kids.

[Anne, Goddard, CEO, ChildFund International]

“We call them the original environmentalist, because they’ve gone out and taken scrap metal, pieces of string, old flip flops or whatever, and they made their toy.”

More than just an exhibit, the toys have give the children a chance to work together, solve problems, and most important of all – enjoy the one childhood they have, no matter how trying their circumstances may be.

Karen Chang, NTD News, New York.