where can you donate homemade wooden toys

by Prof. Aaron Waters 6 min read

Salvation Army and Goodwill are two of the most recognizable charities that take toy donations. But call your local branch before you go to confirm that it's accepting toy donations. Such charities often give toys directly to less fortunate children, or they sell the toys and put the proceeds toward the organization's efforts.

We want to donate toys to charities that put these toys into the hands of children who may not get any toys this year.
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Granting a Child's Wish – One Wooden Toy at a Time
  • Childhaven.
  • Seattle Children's Hospital.
  • Seattle Union Gospel Mission.
  • Mary's Place.
  • Ronald McDonald House.
  • Forgotten Children Fund.
Dec 3, 2018

Full Answer

Where can I donate toys to a child in need?

Dec 31, 2019 · The Knitting Connection will accept handmade goods, but their real goal is gathering materials for volunteer crafters who turn those materials into items to donate to charity1. If you’re based in Boston, you can contact The Knitting Connection to become a volunteer crafter. Otherwise, they are always looking for yarn, knitting needles and crochet …

Where can I Donate my handmade&craft items?

Aug 12, 2020 · DonationTown.org is a website where you can donate furniture, clothes, household items and of course children’s toys. The site allows you to find local charities that pick up donations. To get a list of charities in your area, just enter your zip code on the site. Then you can schedule your donation pick up – and it’s free.

What do charities do with old toys?

Toys. We are unable to accept: ... Did you make a tax-deductible donation to Goodwill and need to fill out a tax receipt? This step-by-step guide will help you fill out the donation tax receipt and get things in order for tax season. Learn More. Donation Receipt 2022 .

Can you donate toys to the Ronald McDonald House?

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Is there a market for wood toys?

Wooden Toys Market is growing at a faster pace with substantial growth rates over the last few years and is estimated that the market will grow significantly in the forecasted period i.e. 2021 to 2028. The rising population of kids across the world is driving the growth of the Global Wooden Toys Market.

Are wooden toys more eco friendly?

Generally speaking, wooden toys are environmentally more friendly than plastic due to its biodegradable nature and its ability to be recycled. Instead of filling the landfills with man-made products, you can buy toys for your child that will give back to the environment.Aug 2, 2019

Do wooden toys hold bacteria?

Fortunately, wood is naturally antimicrobial, so harmful bacteria and viruses can't accumulate on wooden toys in the same way they can on plastic toys.

Are wooden toys hygienic?

Yes, wooden toys are more hygienic than plastic toys because wood possesses antimicrobial properties which destroy viruses and bacteria. Also, wood's porous surface deprives bacteria of the moisture that they need to survive. In a way, you can say that wooden toys are self-cleaning.Mar 31, 2021

Are wooden toys Worth It?

They encourage open-ended development-boosting play for your child. They do their bit for the planet (they're sustainable!) and can be passed down the generations. They're often safer than plastic toys (great for your peace of mind) They're typically more durable too - perfect for endless hours of imaginary fun!

Why do Montessori use wooden toys?

Maria Montessori favored “real” toys made of natural materials like wood because they're healthy, safe, and inspiring for children. They're also beautiful and durable; some of the earliest toys ever discovered were made of wood.

How do you clean and sanitize wood toys?

Simple, all-natural cleaning products will do the trick! Gentle soaps (like castile soap) or vinegar work well. Dilute with water for a 1:4 ratio. For really stuck-on gunk, we recommend making a paste of baking soda and water and scrubbing with a damp cloth.

How do you clean wood toy Covid?

Board books and wooden blocks These toys shouldn't be submerged in liquid, but you can wipe them down with alcohol-based wipes or spray. Let the surfaces dry completely after wiping them down.Apr 14, 2020

How do you sterilize wooden puzzles?

Mix water and vinegar 2/1 proportion. Vinegar is a great nontoxic disinfectant. Combine the vinegar and water together in a spray bottle. Spray this substance directly on the puzzle surface.May 6, 2020

How do you treat wooden toys?

Wood needs to have its natural moisture replenished in order to prevent it from drying out, warping or cracking. The best way to keep your wooden toys hydrated and well-nourished is with a natural oil or wax, like plain mineral oil or beeswax polish, like Bee Luna Natural Beeswax Polish.Apr 5, 2010

How do you disinfect children's toys?

If you are washing toys and toys only, consider adding a half-cup of bleach to your dishwasher or washing machine. If you are soaking your toys in the sink, we recommend adding a half-cup of bleach per gallon of water. Let the toys soak for about five minutes, rinse and then air dry.

How do you take care of wooden toys?

Moisturize your Toys After months or years of loving use, your kid's favourite wooden toys will dry out, but it's easy to replenish the moisture. Simply wipe the toys with a diluted olive oil mixture, or invest in a quality mineral oil.Apr 10, 2019

What charities use old toys?

Another deserving type of charity that could use old toys are those that offer children a familiar object in times of emergency. Both Loving Hugs and Stuffed Animals for Emergencies give stuffed toys to kids in crisis situations, whether it’s a natural disaster or while taking an ambulance ride.

What charity stores accept toys?

Charity thrift stores such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army accept toys and then put them on the store floor for others to buy. Any proceeds they collect from the sale of the toys is put back into programs that benefit the needy right in your own community.

How to claim toy donations on taxes?

Then, you must specifically donate to a tax-exempt organization. If you’re not sure if a facility can claim exempt organization status, check the IRS EO Select Check tool. Then, ask the organization for a donation receipt when you drop off the toys – you’ll need it for your tax records.

Can you donate used toys to hospitals?

Don’t Attempt to Give Used Toys to Hospitals. While they may be able to use a few books and clean items in a waiting room, there are strict hygiene guidelines that must be adhered to when it comes to having toys in patients’ rooms. If you want to donate toys, new items – with tags – are best. Don’t Wrap Toys.

Do shelters accept toys?

If you know of a shelter or children’s charity in your area, there’s a good chance that it accepts toy donations. After all, kids will be kids, and children who visit shelters can feel more at ease when there are toys nearby. You just need to call ahead, as some charities won’t accept toy donations.

Can you give away items on Freecycle?

You can use a site such as Freecycle to post items that you’d like to give away. Just be wary of posting personal details, and never share your address. Instead, meet people in public places, such as the parking lot of a supermarket, to hand off the items.

Can you deduct toys from a church?

Churches are tax-exempt organizations, so you can claim a deduction if you donate old toys to a church nursery. Many religious organizations offer daycares or nurseries to their parishioners, and since the service is often low-cost or free, they’re often in need of toys.

How to donate used toys?

Before you donate a used toy though, consider the following: 1 Ponder saving and passing used toys down from generation to generation in your family. Classic toys like dollhouses , train sets, wooden toys, and ride-on toys often stand the test of time. 2 Check if the toys you intend to donate are recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a government agency. It's easy to search the site's recall list to check if the toy is recalled due to choking hazards or risk of injuries. 3 Clean and sanitize toys you intend to donate. Remove corroded batteries, wash stuffed animals in special laundry bags, and clean plastic toys with soap, water, or disinfectant wipes.

What is second chance toy?

Second Chance Toys aims to keep good toys out of landfills. If there is not a location nearby, for those with over 50 gently used plastic toys, they will help arrange a drop-off location.

Can you call a shelter?

If you find it tough to reach someone on the phone, it's perfectly acceptable to directly call a shelter. To identify shelters near you, visit the Homeless Shelter Directory. Chances are, the person answering the phone may tell you items they accept and how and when to drop off toys.

Does Big Brothers Big Sisters accept used toys?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America also accepts used toys through their foundation. Check what types of toys the foundation is accepting; they don't accept all types of toys. The charity works within communities, and also with military families that need support.

What kind of crafts should I donate to charity?

Ok, if you’re asking this question or already have a project in mind (at least a non knitting or crochet project) then you’re going about this backwards. Most charities that accept donations of handmade and crafted items are looking for specific things. So pick the charity FIRST and then you’ll know what to make.

What else do I need to know before I start crafting for charity?

Please read each charity’s guidelines CAREFULLY before you get going. Many have requirements on materials used, colors requested or size/shape/theme.

Where should I donate my crafts to charity?

If you want your craft donations to stay local, consider calling some of your local institutions such as:

What is a donation to Knots of Love?

Donations are meant to serve as a reminder to the recipients that they are not alone. Knots of Love handmade creations are distributed free of charges to hospital and treatment centers throughout the US. Patterns are available on the Knots of Love website.

Why should crafters stay away from cards?

Crafters should stay away from anything that might detach from the card (glitter can be a problem) to protect the health and safety of the recipient. Otherwise, almost anything goes. Envelopes are unnecessary, and cards can be mailed directly to the organization in bulk.

What is Quilts of Valor?

Quilts of Valor is another charitable organization accepting quilted blankets for former service members. The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover all service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

What are snuggles made of?

Snuggles should be made with cotton or acrylic so that they are easy for shelters to clean.

What are cards for hospitalized kids?

It’s also a fantastic opportunity to get your whole family involved in a charitable act, as handmade cards are an accessible craft for even young children. Cards for Hospitalized Kids accepts both holiday cards and general cards , and the guidelines are simple. Crafters should stay away from anything that might detach from the card (glitter can be a problem) to protect the health and safety of the recipient. Otherwise, almost anything goes. Envelopes are unnecessary, and cards can be mailed directly to the organization in bulk. Volunteers can also host card making events or refer a child in need.

What is a card for kindness?

Part of Scrapbook.com, Cards for Kindness is a global initiative to collect and distribute handmade cards to provide people in need with an emotional boost, a smile, or a helping hand. You create a pack of handmade cards with no message inside.

What is Project Linus?

Eponymously named for the Peanuts character who was never without his trusty blanket, Project Linus provides homemade blankets to children in hospitals, shelters, and social services. Launched in 1995 in Missouri, Project Linus now operates local chapters in all fifty states.

Why do doctors need toys?

Doctor’s offices need toys to keep children occupied in the waiting room or even as a reward for making it through a checkup. So you could help out by donating toys.

What is Marine Toys for Tots?

The Marine Toys for Tots is a program that gives children free Christmas toys. By donating, you put presents under the tree of a less fortunate child on Christmas morning.

What is second chance toy?

Second Chance Toys is an awesome organization that exists to provide toys to kids in low-income households, particularly the ones living at or below the poverty level. You can donate any plastic toy that has all of its parts and batteries.

What is an offerup?

Like LetGo, OfferUp is an online marketplace where you can buy stuff and sell stuff to people near you and also ship items. OfferUp does have a section just for free stuff as well. You could list your toys on there and give them away to someone who needs them.

What is a military charity?

This is an awesome national 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to helping military families so they can thrive. They help military families with anything from rent and mortgage to utilities, groceries and foods as well as toys for their kids. Visit their website to contact them to see about donating your kid’s gently used toys (or brand new toys) to military families in your area.

What is 5miles?

Again, 5miles is an online marketplace for selling a range of items locally. But it also has a section just for free stuff where you can list your gently used toys. 13. Craigslist. Another site where you can donate stuff to people nearby is Craigslist. Sure, the site is mostly known as a place to buy and sell stuff.

What is stuffed animal for emergencies?

Stuffed Animals for Emergencies is a wonderful organization that does just as its name suggests – it provides stuffed animals for children to cuddle in times of emergency. Having a stuffed toy to cuddle can help children to feel safe during times like natural disasters or during an ambulance ride, for example. 9.

Can Goodwill employees refuse donations?

Goodwill employees may decline a donation if it is not in clean or in saleable condition or if they are unable to assist with larger items due to risk of injury. Our employees often help unload donations, however cannot help if (in their judgement) doing so may damage any vehicle, or if doing so is unsafe for them or anyone else.

Is Goodwill donation tax deductible?

Donations should be clean, safe and resaleable. Your donations to Goodwill are tax deductible. You can find all donation sites here. We are unable to do home pick-ups. To find a list of items we cannot accept, please scroll to the next section.

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Hospitals

  • Many medical facilities accept gently used toys for their young patients to play with while they are hospitalized. Your local hospital might have a toy wish list posted on its website that you can check for its exact needs. Always check with the medical facility before you show up with a box …
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Doctors' Offices

  • Visit a children's doctor's office, and you might see toys that people have donated. Large toys can entertain children in the waiting room. And small toys can be used in the doctor's prize bin to reward kids for making it through a checkup. Check with your local doctor's office to see what its needs are. If you have kids, you can have them write short messages of well wishes on certain t…
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Daycare Centers

  • It is rare to find a daycare center that is not in need of more toys. With so many children to entertain, daycare centers run through toys pretty fast. If you don't use a daycare center yourself, check with parents in your area to find one that will take your toy donations. The greatest need will likely be toys for young children.
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Shelters

  • Women's shelters, as well as shelters for homeless people, are often overlooked as toy donation sites. But children end up at these locations too, and they often come with very few possessions. So many of these shelters will gladly take gently used toy donations. At the same time, you might be able to donate other items, including clothing, bedding, and toiletries. Contact a particular she…
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Children's Homes

  • Children's homes are another place where you can donate used toys for kids in need. Groups of kids live together in children's homes, so toys for kids of all ages are usually appreciated. Don't forget about toys for older children, as they're often an overlooked group in favor of cute toys for young kids. Check your local directory to see whether there is a children's home near you, and fin…
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Military Families

  • With military families constantly on the move, some toys might not make the trip to the family's new home. So some gently used toys could be a nice welcoming gesture for a military family with kids that's new to your city. You also can contact a local military family support group to find a home for your toy donations, or contact Operation Homefrontto search for current needs.
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Religious Centers

  • From newborns to school-age kids, local religious centers often provide childcare services to a variety of children during services and other facility events. Contact a local place of worship to find out what its needs are. If it's not accepting toy donations at the moment, there's a good chance it will be able to direct you to a reputable location that will take your donations.
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Social Services

  • Your local social services division likely will be able to connect you with a variety of kids who would love to play with your gently used children's toys. Contact your local department to find out what it needs and where to bring donations. It also might have needs for other children's items, such as clothing and shoes.
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Police and Fire Departments

  • Police officers and firefighters often carry small toys, usually stuffed animals, to comfort scared and injured children on the scene. And local departments generally look to the public for donations to provide this service. So call your local police and fire departments to find out whether they would like some gently used toys. Around the holidays, departments also often ser…
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Toy Donation Options

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1. Resell Charities Charity thrift stores such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army accept toys and then put them on the store floor for others to buy. Any proceeds they collect from the sale of the toys is put back into programs that benefit the needy right in your own community. However, you should call your local store prio…
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Specific Charities

  • While local charities may or may not need toys, national charities generally always accept donations. Here are several specific national charities that are looking for goods, such as toys and games. 6. Toys for Tots While you may associate Toys for Tots with a call for new, unwrapped toys, the Marine-facilitated charity also takes used toys in great shape. If you have a box to dona…
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What to Avoid

  • While most charities are thrilled to receive toy donations, there are several things that you must avoid: 1. Don’t Give Broken or Soiled Toys. Most facilities don’t have the ability to clean and repair items, so they may simply be tossed in the garbage if they can’t be put back together quickly. 2. Don’t Give Items With Pieces Missing.It’s unlikely that a charity has the ability to locate a replace…
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Toys and Taxes

  • You can often claim toy donations as a deduction on your taxes, but you have to do a few things first. To start, catalog all of the items you’re donating by type and what shape they are in. Then, you must specifically donate to a tax-exempt organization. If you’re not sure if a facility can claim exempt organization status, check the IRS EO Select Check tool. Then, ask the organization for …
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Final Word

  • If none of these option work for you, visit DonationTown.org, a website designed to facilitate free donation pickups for charities in your area. By going to the website, you can schedule a pickup and delivery to a charity of your choice simply by inputting your ZIP code. Wanting to donate old toys is definitely commendable, and there are literally hundreds of deserving charities that coul…
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