Loose Parts Trading Post - an AECENL Initiative

Who are we?

The Loose Parts Trading Post is located in the AECENL office and serves as a dedicated space for gathering loose parts for AECENL members to use in their classrooms. Loose parts are open-ended materials, often recycled, that inspire creativity and problem-solving through play and exploration. These materials can enrich any area of a childcare environment.

Members are welcome to visit the trading post during open hours (announced via email and Facebook) to take free loose parts back to their classrooms. 

Find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/473677950607615/ 

Interested in volunteering with the trading post? Please contact admin@aecenl.ca.

How can I Donate Loose Parts? 

The trading post also accepts donations of loose parts, which can be dropped off during open hours. 

For donations outside of open hours, please contact admin@aecenl.ca.

Examples of loose parts available at the trading post or items we accept as donations include:

• Craft materials: buttons, yarn, fabric, thread spools, paper of all shapes and sizes
• Old toy and game pieces: wheels from toy cars, games, and puzzles missing pieces
• Recyclables: bottle caps, packaging materials
• Housewares: spoons, napkin rings, shower rings
• Outdated samples & building materials: carpet samples, fabric and upholstery samples, flooring samples, door handles, and drawer pulls
• Natural loose parts: dried non-toxic flowers, wood cookies, stones, shells, sea glass
• Interesting odds and ends: materials that are unusual and intriguing, as long as they are non-toxic

If you're unsure whether an item is acceptable for donation, please email admin@aecenl.ca with a picture of the item.