DONATE A TOY, GET A SMILE: SOLIDARITY, SOCIAL PARTICIPATION, AND TRANSPARENCY IN A COMMUNITY PROJECT

Abstract

The right to play is a central dimension of child development and is associated with emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of childhood. In contexts of social vulnerability, access to toys and leisure spaces is often limited, impacting children's self-esteem, sense of belonging, and quality of life. This article aims to analyze the project "Donate a Toy, Earn a Smile" as a concrete experience of solidarity, community participation, and social responsibility, articulating it with concepts of transparency, accountability, and social control discussed in the literature on public management and citizenship. Methodologically, it is an experience report based on the project documents (PM Canvas, justification, objectives, action records, and evaluation) and a literature review on child development, the right to play, and social participation. The results indicate that the campaign exceeded fundraising expectations, benefiting 60 children from the district of Santa Tereza, Tauá – CE, and strengthening community ties. It also discusses how elements of transparency in communication, action records, and feedback to the community are similar to governance practices, even at the micro and non-state level. It is concluded that initiatives of this type can function as laboratories for active citizenship, values ​​education, and the construction of a culture of solidarity based on principles similar to those that guide transparency in public management.