The Gulfport Cribbage Club spearheaded the project after member Evy Turney noticed abandoned toys piling up on the sand.
Photo courtesy of Gulfport Cribbage Club
Gulfport beachgoers now have a new way to share sand shovels, pails, and beach gear. A community-built beach toy box now sits along the shoreline, ready for anyone who needs it.
The Gulfport Cribbage Club launched the project after member Evy Turney noticed abandoned toys piling up on the sand. She walks the beach most mornings and often spots forgotten items. When she asked a city employee about the toys, she learned they were thrown away. That answer pushed her to act.
“I figured a bin similar to what they have in Pass-a-Grille Beach was needed,” she said.
A Group Effort
Turney emailed the mayor, who supported the idea and brought it to a city meeting. After the city approved it, Turney gathered a small team of cribbage club members to help.
The project quickly grew through teamwork. Jim Frank built the box using leftover materials from Turney’s yard. Julie Armstrong designed and painted the sign with salvaged supplies. Finally, Frank and Rob Rubin hauled the finished box to the beach and installed it near the water.
Take a Toy, Leave a Toy
The team designed the box to support a simple exchange: Take a toy, leave a toy.
Turney stressed that the goal is to reuse items left behind, not create an overloaded donation bin.
“I’m discouraging well-meaning people to not fill up the bin,” she said.
All four contributors belong to the Gulfport Cribbage Club, which meets Wednesdays from 3–5 p.m. at the Wine House.
“All are welcome to join,” Turney added. “We’ll even teach you to play.”