Christmas will come early and often for children with special needs in the community who can now find toys and games specially designed to help them grow and develop.

In a space donated by the Paso Robles Children’s Museum, Katie’s Korner is Jack’s Helping Hand’s second Adaptive Toy Lending Library operating in San Luis Obispo County. The Grand Opening was on June 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 623 13th Street in Paso Robles.

The first location opened more than a year ago at Central Coast Gymnastics in San Luis Obispo, making it possible for families to use and have fun with the kinds of technically advanced and modified toys that special needs children need, but that they might not otherwise be able to afford.

The need for a second location soon became apparent. 

"These libraries operate in much the same way that a book library does," said Mary Illingworth, Charitable Administrator for Jack’s Helping Hand. "Children can check out a wide variety of different toys and games at no cost to enjoy at home with their families. Then, like a typical library, the toys can be returned and exchanged for new ones."

Katie’s Korner was named in memory of Katie Reilly, a local teenager who lost her life to brain cancer in January of this year. A happy, loving, and creative young lady, Katie was a gifted performer and student who planned to become a teacher.

"Her life’s passion was caring for others," her parents recall.

"We feel so honored that Katie’s parents would want to name this library for their daughter," said Illingworth. "It’s a wonderful way to keep her memory and her passion for helping others alive."

Now in its forth year of service, Jack’s Helping Hand is an award-winning non-profit organization that assists children with illnesses and disabilities, providing special treatments, services, equipment and transportation not provided by other sources, or that exceed family financial capabilities.

For more information about Jack’s Helping Hand or Katie’s Korner, call (805) 547-1914 or visit www.jackshelpinghand.org.