The toys were starting to take over. We have a closet in our basement that was bursting at the seams. It was filled with trucks, cars, trains and every imaginable game from the time my three boys were toddlers.
All three of my kids are at sleepaway camp [1] for a few weeks. I’m missing them like crazy, but I know they’re having a fantastic time. The time for sorting and cleaning out that overflowing closet was here.
Over multiple days I pulled everything out and started sorting them into piles. Most were in decent shape so I really wanted to find a good home for them.
Many of the charities out there such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army take donations and resell them in their retail shops. The proceeds from any sale are then placed back into programs they support. As much as I love seeing the toys used for something good, they’re not directly donated to those in need. While this is an OK option, I knew that I wanted to pass along the toys directly to a family who would use them.
Here are 5 ways to donate used toys directly to a child in need
Here are 5 ways to donate used toys directly to a child in need [2]Click To Tweet [2]FREECYCLE
I started with Freecycle [3], which is an amazing nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about reusing and keeping good stuff out of landfills. There is a Freecycle group in the town next to mine. I posted all the cars, trucks and trains on the site. A sweet woman was at my house within an hour. She takes care of her great-nephew so the toys were perfect. There’s no tax deduction if you use Freecycle.
ROOM TO GROW, Boston and New York
Room to Grow helps babies born into poverty throughout their first three years of life. The organization provides families with developmental information, customized support, and all of the needed baby items. If you live in Boston or New York this organization is a great option. They are looking for donations that are new or nearly new, clean and in truly excellent condition.
SECOND CHANCE TOYS
If there isn’t a collection in your area Second Chance Toys [4] could be the answer. If you can gather 50+ gently used plastic toys from your community, Second Chance Toys will arrange for a drop-off at a local organization. Just go to collect toys [5] to register. They’ll give you access to flyers, merchandise and other promotional items to promote your collection.
HOMELESS SHELTERS
Check HERE [6] to see if there’s a local homeless shelter in your area. Please call them to see if there’s a need before dropping off a donation. Local homeless shelters may want small toys to give to children they are housing.
STUFFED ANIMALS FOR EMERGENCIES (SAFE)
If you have stuffed animals to donate try Stuffed Animals for Emergencies [7]. The organization was founded to help ease anxiety and fear when children are in a crisis situation. SAFE chapter members collect new and gently used stuffed animals, toys, books and blankets to be redistributed to emergency organizations, children’s services, hospitals, homeless shelters and many other places that help children during times of crisis.
Do you have any other donation suggestions to add to the list?
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