While many kids get to enjoy new toys throughout the year, many rarely see new toys at all. When your child is done with the latest game or toy and has moved on to the next new thing, don’t let that old one just sit around.
There are an estimated 9 million children living in poverty in the United States according to the United Way. This number increased 7% in just one year. Organizations like Toys for Tots distribute toys each year to children to bring them some happiness.
Below is a list of all the places you can donate those no longer used toys and make other children very happy any time of the year.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a well-known nonprofit that helps those in need through various programs and services. They accept a wide range of donations, including toys. Just pack up your gently used toys and drop them off at your local Salvation Army location. You can even schedule a pick-up if you have a larger collection.
When you donate to the Salvation Army, you’re not just clearing out space; you’re also contributing to their mission. They provide shelter, food, and support for vulnerable populations. Your toys can help brighten the days of kids facing tough times, making a real difference in their lives.
Goodwill
Goodwill is another fantastic option for donating used toys. Their process is simple: gather your toys, ensure they’re in good condition, and drop them off at a local Goodwill store. They accept everything from action figures to board games, so you’re likely to find a suitable home for whatever you have.
By donating to Goodwill, you’re also helping them create jobs and provide training for people in your community. It’s a win-win situation—your toys find new homes, and you support important social programs that uplift those around you.
Habitat For Humanity
Habitat For Humanity isn’t just about building homes; they also have ReStores that accept various donations, including toys. These stores sell donated items at discounted prices to help fund their housing projects. Simply drop off your toys at a ReStore, and they will be resold to help families in need.
Your donation supports a great cause while helping to recycle items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. This sustainable approach ensures that your toys continue to bring joy, all while aiding in the construction of affordable housing for families.
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House provides support for families with sick children, offering them a place to stay near hospitals. They often welcome donations of new or gently used toys. These items can bring comfort and joy to children facing health challenges. Contact your local Ronald McDonald House to see their specific needs.
Donating to Ronald McDonald House means your toys can help create a friendly environment for kids. A simple gesture can provide a sense of normalcy and happiness during tough times, reminding families that they’re not alone in their struggles.
Military Support Groups
Military families face unique challenges, and many support groups collect toys to distribute to children of service members. Reach out to local military support organizations like Operation Homefront to see if they accept toy donations. Your contributions can help bring joy to kids whose parents are deployed or facing hardships.
By donating to these groups, you’re showing appreciation for the sacrifices military families make. Your used toys can create moments of happiness in their lives, offering a bit of normalcy amidst their challenges.
Toys For Tots
Toys For Tots is a program run by the Marine Corps Reserve that collects and distributes toys to children in need during the holiday season. While they typically focus on new toys, some local chapters might accept gently used items. Check their website to find drop-off locations near you.
Participating in Toys For Tots can really make a child’s holiday special. Your used toys can bring smiles and joy, reminding kids that they are cared for and remembered during festive times. It’s a beautiful way to spread cheer and show that someone is thinking of them.
Toys for Tots has distributed 677 million toys to 301 million children over the years!
Local Libraries
Many local libraries host community events and children’s programs, making them a great place to donate used toys. Check with your library to see if they accept donations for storytime activities or play areas. Toys in good condition can enrich their resources for kids.
Libraries are all about learning and community engagement, so your toys will find a home where they can inspire creativity and exploration. It’s a fantastic way to support educational initiatives and promote a love for reading among young visitors.
Local Doctor’s Offices
Doctor’s offices and clinics often welcome toy donations for their waiting areas. These toys provide comfort and distraction for kids during what can be a stressful time. Contact your local pediatrician or family practice to ask if they accept toy donations.
A simple toy can help ease anxiety and make a doctor’s visit a bit more enjoyable for children. Your gently used toys could turn a frown into a smile, creating a positive experience in an otherwise daunting situation.
Local Churches
Many churches engage in community outreach and may accept donations of toys for their programs. Whether it’s for children’s ministries, community events, or families in need, your used toys could be a great addition to their offerings.
By donating to a local church, you’re supporting a network that cares for its community. Your toys can help spread joy during events or provide comfort to families facing hardships.
Daycare Centers
Daycare centers are always on the lookout for toys to enhance their learning environments. If you have gently used toys that are safe and educational, consider donating them to a local daycare. Reach out to see if they have specific needs or guidelines for donations.
Your toys can play a vital role in a child’s development, encouraging creativity and social interaction. It’s a great way to contribute to early childhood education and support working families in your community.
Local Hospitals
Many hospitals appreciate toy donations, especially for pediatric wards. While new toys are often preferred, some hospitals may accept gently used ones. Check with your local hospital to understand their policies regarding toy donations.
Donating to hospitals means your toys could bring joy to children during their stays. They can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy during what can be a frightening experience for young patients.
Second Chance Toys
Second Chance Toys is an organization dedicated to recycling toys and distributing them to children in need. Their mission focuses on keeping toys out of landfills while ensuring they reach kids who will appreciate them. You can find donation drop-off points through their website.
By donating through Second Chance Toys, you’re making an eco-conscious choice. Not only do your toys get a second life, but you’re also helping the planet by promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste.
Children’s Homes
Children’s homes and shelters often welcome toy donations to help provide a sense of normalcy and happiness to the kids living there. Check with local organizations to see what items they need and their donation guidelines.
Your contributions can help create a warm and welcoming environment, making a tough situation a little brighter for children in need. A simple toy can foster play, creativity, and a sense of belonging during challenging times.
Shelters
Homeless shelters frequently accept toy donations for families with children. These shelters work hard to provide for the immediate needs of families, and toys can help bring joy and distraction in difficult times. Reach out to local shelters to see if they have specific requirements.
Donating toys to shelters means you’re directly impacting families in crisis. A small gesture can bring happiness to children who might be experiencing significant life changes, reminding them that they are cared for.
Foster Programs
Foster care programs often need toys for the children in their care. Many foster kids come with little more than the clothes on their backs, so your donations can help provide comfort and stability. Contact local foster care agencies to inquire about their toy donation policies.
By donating to foster programs, you’re helping to create a nurturing environment for kids who have been through a lot. Your toys can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy during a challenging time.
Stuffed Animals for Emergencies
Some organizations collect stuffed animals specifically for emergency situations, such as when children are removed from their homes or during natural disasters. Check with local police departments or fire stations to see if they accept donations for this purpose.
Your stuffed animals can provide comfort to kids during scary moments, making a huge difference in their emotional well-being. It’s a simple way to help children feel a bit safer and loved during tough times.
Police and Fire Departments
Local police and fire departments often collect toys to give to children during emergencies. These organizations may distribute toys to kids involved in traumatic situations, helping to bring a little comfort during difficult times.
By donating toys to these departments, you’re helping to create a more compassionate response to emergencies. A small toy can be a source of comfort and safety for children facing unexpected challenges.
TerraCycle
TerraCycle specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle products and also has programs for donating toys. They focus on sustainability, ensuring that your old toys don’t end up in landfills. Check their website for information on how to recycle toys and contribute to their mission.
By donating through TerraCycle, you’re making an eco-conscious choice. Not only do your toys get a second life, but you’re also helping the planet by promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste.
Resale Stores
If you’re open to selling your toys rather than donating, consider local resale stores that accept used items. Stores like Once Upon a Child specialize in children’s items and can provide you with cash or store credit.
Selling your toys can help fund new purchases or provide some extra cash. It’s a practical way to ensure your toys find new homes while also benefiting your wallet.
Online Websites
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Freecycle can be great options for donating or selling your used toys. Listing your items online connects you directly with people in your community who need them. You might be surprised by how many interested buyers or takers there are!
Using online platforms to donate or sell your toys can help you reach a wider audience. It’s an easy way to declutter and make sure your toys are appreciated by someone else.
Before you donate, please take the time to clean your toys so they are delivered and ready to hand out to the kids! Do not donate broken toys or those that pose a risk of injury – those can be discarded.
Sources
United Way of the National Capital Area
Places That Will Appreciate Towel and Bedding Donations
If you have a pile of sheets, bedding, and towels that are no longer being used – there are plenty of places that would love to have them. They do not even need to be in perfect shape! Check out who would appreciate your bedding and towel donations.