where can you donate toys for christmas

by Mr. Gerald Donnelly II 5 min read

The best place to donate toys at Christmas is a local shelter or a children’s center. Most of them are more than happy to accept toys as donations, especially during Christmas. But it might be a good idea to give them a call ahead of time.

Here's Where to Donate Toys to Kids Who Need Them Most
  1. Charities. There are so many charities that will accept gently used toys and distribute them throughout their networks. ...
  2. Buy Nothing Groups. ...
  3. Hospitals. ...
  4. Children's Homes and Shelters. ...
  5. Daycare Centers. ...
  6. Police and Fire Departments. ...
  7. Churches. ...
  8. Recycling Programs.
Oct 13, 2020

Full Answer

Where can I donate used, but good, toys?

Where to Donate Old Toys Donating old toys is another great way to provide for children this Christmas. Your local Salvation Army and Goodwill are great places to consider.

Where is the best place to donate toys?

Dec 02, 2021 · Where to donate toys for Christmas. 1. Salvation Army. Every year, the Salvation Army run a Christmas Present Appeal in churches and centres across the UK. They collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts, wrap them up and donate them to children who may not otherwise get a Christmas present.

Do you donate toys to goodwill during Christmas?

Use the Salvation Army website to donate or request help. TOYS FOR TOTS: The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Monetary donations are …

Where can I donate food, clothes and toys?

Dec 01, 2021 · For a map of drop-off locations where you can donate a warm coat to someone in need, visit the website. The organization also offers many volunteer opportunities. Toys for Tots – …

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Are they doing Toys for Tots this year 2021?

Our Toys for Tots campaign for 2021 is now underway! Family Request form for the 2021 campaign is now closed! Registration was open from 1 October until 5 December 2021. If you missed the registration window you may come to one of our distribution locations listed on the website after 3 pm.

How can I help the less fortunate at Christmas?

Perform simple, random acts of kindnessGive a generous tip to a friendly customer service worker like a waiter or barista.Buy a homeless person a sandwich and a hot drink.Help someone who's struggling with their luggage on public transport.Give up your seat to someone on busy public transport.More items...

How can I donate my kids for Christmas?

Contact your local Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services or Salvation Army or visit volunteermatch.org to be matched with your recipient(s), ideally similar in age to your own children. After you learn the specifics about your recipient(s) (age, gender, etc.), brainstorm gift ideas with your family.

Is it too late to donate to Toys for Tots?

Q: What ages are supported by Toys for Tots? Most campaign sites are able to assist children up to age 12, but in many local communities, local support is such that the age limit may be extended. Check with your local campaign for age limits.

How can I get free Toys for Christmas?

Two of the primary providers include Salvation Army Family Services (which operates in most towns and counties) as well as the programs from Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Toys, gifts, and other free Christmas services (including money or free gift cards) are part of Salvation Army Christmas Giving Programs.

Can gray hair be donated?

Adults and children can donate hair. You may need to find out if an organization will or will not take hair that's been colored, permed, highlighted, bleached, or dreadlocked. Also, some organizations accept gray hair or hair with a certain percentage of gray in it, while others don't accept it at all.Apr 26, 2018

Is anyone collecting toys for Christmas?

Salvation Army They collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts, wrap them up and donate them to children who may not otherwise get a Christmas present. The Salvation Army also have a helpful list of presents you can give on their website: ... 9-12: DVDs, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats, games and toys.Dec 2, 2021

Is Toys for Tots a good charity?

Did you know that Toys for Tots is a top rated charity? 97% of your donation goes to our mission of providing toys, books and other gifts to less fortunate children. The 3% spent on support principally covers fundraising expenses – not one donated dollar goes to pay for salaries or any other manpower costs.

How can I be Christmas charitable?

Donation and Volunteer Ideas for ChristmasHelp a Needy Family.Visit Your Local Pediatric Wing.Donate Your Hair.Grant a Small Wish.Visit Your Local Humane Society.Make a Child's Dream Come True.Give to Toys for Tots.Donate to Bell Ringers and Bins.More items...•Sep 11, 2019

How many Toys does Toys for Tots give per child?

Toys for Tots provides two toys per child.

What kind of Toys can you donate to Toys for Tots?

Selecting Types of Toys to Donate While there are many lists of popular toys for kids of all ages, there is no donation wish list for Toys for Tots. Popular toy categories include sporting equipment, books, backpacks, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, and skateboards/helmets.Dec 8, 2020

What are the rules for Toys for Tots?

Toys for Tots Gift Guidelinesnew.un-wrapped.preferably around the $10 or above price range.books are also needed (children receive 2 toys each and 3 books count as ONE gift!)homemade toys are also accepted.

How do you give back to the community at Christmas?

10 Easy Ways Your Family Can Spread Christmas CheerVolunteer for the Salvation Army. ... Adopt a Family. ... Make Christmas Treats and Visit House-Bound Neighbors. ... Buy Presents to Donate to Toys for Tots. ... Send a Letter to a Solider. ... Donate a Bedtime Story. ... Collect Food for Your Local Food Shelf. ... Support a Local Fundraiser.More items...•Dec 7, 2015

What charities accept gently used toys?

There are so many charities that will accept gently used toys and distribute them throughout their networks. For example, thrift-store organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army will resell toys in their shops and use the profits to support their charitable work. You could also give to Toys for Tots, the United States Marine Corps Reserve-run program that gives donated toys to children in need. Toys for Tots hosts popular toy drives around the holidays, but they also accept gently used toys year-round. Cradles to Crayons is another organization that accepts new and nearly new toys to benefit low-income families.

Can daycares go through toys?

If you've ever been to a day-care center, you know that they go through toys quickly. That's why if you have a ton of lightly used toys to donate, you might contact a center in your area to see if they're able to give your items a second life.

Can hospitals accept toys?

Hospitals. Many hospitals will accept donated toys for their young patients to play with, or to keep children entertained in the waiting room; the same thing goes for doctor's offices. But keep in mind: If you want to donate toys to your local children's hospital, they must be new.

What charities take toys?

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. Either way, the toys will be helping people in your community. As an extra incentive, you can donate toys to a qualifying charity or nonprofit group and deduct the items on your taxes.

Can you donate toys to a charity?

As an extra incentive, you can donate toys to a qualifying charity or nonprofit group and deduct the items on your taxes. 2. Hospitals. Many medical facilities accept gently used toys for their young patients to play with while they are hospitalized.

Do religious centers take donations?

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.

Do police officers carry toys?

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 serve as drop-off locations for toy, coat, and other donations.

Do daycares need more toys?

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.

Who runs Toys for Tots?

Toys for Tots. Run by the U.S. Marine Corp, Toys for Tots has been collecting new, unwrapped toys and distributing them to less-fortunate children since 1947. There are a number of ways to support Toys for Tots' mission, including purchasing a toy and donating it at a local toy drop location, shopping for a toy to donate via ...

What is Operation Christmas Child?

A program run by Christian organization Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child that takes a collection of shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, apparel, candy, and a personal note. Select a child's age group and fill the box with items consistent for that age group.

What is the Angel Tree in prison?

The Christian charity Prison Fellowship Organization offers an Angel Tree program that help children who have at least one parent in prison. Through the program, volunteers deliver a gift and a message from both the Gospel and the child's incarcerated parent.

What does Make a Wish Foundation do?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation helps children throughout the year, but it also partners with companies to raise money specifically during the holiday season. If you drop off a letter to Santa at any Macy's location, the store will donate $1 per letter to Make-A-Wish.

How to teach kids to give to others?

Teach your children the value of giving to others during the holiday season by donating to a charity that provides gifts for needy children. Your kids may enjoy selecting presents for other children who are the same age as them. Choose from a variety of national charities or look for a local organization that's providing Christmas cheer ...

Who is Apryl Duncan?

Apryl Duncan is a writer for the Spruce covering lifestyle and family. She has over 20 years experience in freelance writing. Teach your children the value of giving to others during the holiday season by donating to a charity that provides gifts for needy children.

Does Walmart have angel trees?

The Salvation Army also has an Angel Tree program in collaboration with Walmart. The stores have Christmas trees that have tags on them. Each tag has a wishlist of a specific child. Donors pick an angel tag, shop for gifts (not necessarily at Walmart), and drops of the gifts for the Salvation Army to distribute.

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 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.

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.

Is LetGo a charity?

LetGo isn’t a charity, but it’s still a place to consider giving away used toys. The site is a marketplace where you can buy and sell stuff locally. Although its focus is on selling stuff, there is actually a section just for free stuff where people can list the stuff they want to give away.

What is Ronald McDonald House?

The Ronald McDonald House is an organization that provides accommodation and facilities to families whose children are getting care in a nearby hospital. Basically, it makes it possible for families who live further away from the hospital to be near their children while they’re being cared for.

Local Women's & Children's Centers

Do a search for a local women's shelter or children's center (like Boys & Girls Club), and give them a call. There's a good chance they'll gladly accept your toy donations — after all, toys can be of great comfort (and distraction) to the children at these places, just like they are to all children.

Stuffed Animals For Emergencies

This awesome organization provides stuffed animals (and books and blankets) as comfort items to children in crisis situations. Given the amount of hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires we've seen recently, and the impact those kids of disasters can have on little ones, this is a simple and impactful way to help.

Second Chance Toys

Second Chance Toys aims to keep non-biodegradable plastic toys out of landfills by repurposing them for local disadvantaged youth. The organization truly believes in the value of good imaginative play for young children, and wants to make an impact, while being environmentally conscious at the same time.

Donation Town

If you're coming up short on local places to donate to, check out Donation Town. This organization makes things easy for those wanting to donate toys, but are not sure where to go. You can schedule a pick-up for your donation, and choose the local charity it goes to.

What is the mission of Operation Christmas Child?

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

What is alternative gift?

Alternative Gifts International is a non-profit organization which inspires support for humanitarian and environmental causes. We offer donors the option to designate charitable gifts through carefully selected agencies in the name of their relatives, friends and associates.#N#Alternative Gifts International website

Why is the Red Cross important?

RED CROSS: The Red Cross responds quickly and efficiently to help people affected by armed conflict. We also respond to disasters in conflict zones , because the effects of a disaster are compounded if a country is already at war. Emergencies are unpredictable, so our rapid deployment capability is hugely important.

How many countries does Plan International work in?

Plan International works with, for and on behalf of girls and boys and their communities in 52 countries to address immediate and long-term needs, to help secure lasting changes in their lives.#N#Plan International website

Why does the Salvation Army help people?

The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten. Many families receive aid over a period of months after the Christmas season, as well as people struggling with difficult family, emotional, or employment problems.

What is Oxfam's vision?

Oxfam's vision is a just world without poverty. We want a world where people are valued and treated equally, enjoy their rights as full citizens, and can influence decisions affecting their lives.#N#Oxfam website

What should children in developed nations be taught during the holiday season?

One thing that all children in developed nations should be taught during the holiday season is that even if their own family is struggling, there are children in other parts of the world that don't even have food to eat. While it’s hard to go with no presents during the holidays, most kids understand that they’re lucky to have a roof over their heads and warm food to eat. When you look at what amazing organizations like the UK based ToyBox do for children across the world – it’s enough to warm your heart four times over.#N#ToyBox website

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What Toys Should You Donate at Christmas?

  • First of all, Christmas donations should be looked at as gifts for other kids. And this is why you can’t donate toys without considering few points. If you truly want to make a child happy you have to use your empathy. Try to walk in their shoes in order to figure out what they would like to receive. Simply donating toys that your child doesn’t like anymore is not the best criteria to follo…
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Here Are The Most Important Things to Consider!

  1. Donate toys that are in a good conditionIt might be tempting to donate toys that your child doesn’t play with anymore. The reasons might be that they are too old to enjoy such toys or they simply g...
  2. Split your donation boxes on different agesDonating toys at Christmas is a beautiful thing to do but it can be quite useless if you donate the wrong toy to the wrong child. Always make su…
  1. Donate toys that are in a good conditionIt might be tempting to donate toys that your child doesn’t play with anymore. The reasons might be that they are too old to enjoy such toys or they simply g...
  2. Split your donation boxes on different agesDonating toys at Christmas is a beautiful thing to do but it can be quite useless if you donate the wrong toy to the wrong child. Always make sure to chec...

Where to Donate Toys at Christmas?

  • Now that we know what type of toys we can donate and how they should be, let’s see where you can actually make the donation! There are many options that you can choose from but it primarily depends on your area of residence. The best place to donate toys at Christmas is a local shelter or a children’s center. Most of them are more than happy to accept toys as donations, especiall…
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Conclusion

  • The fact that you decided to give away some toys for Christmas is a very noble act. And if you follow the donation process correctly, you will become and feel like a Santa for a day! After all, this is what the Christmas spirit is all about: make others happy by giving them from the little that you have! By donating toys at Christmas we can all be part of the holiday’s magic and bring some s…
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Charities

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There are so many charities that will accept gently used toys and distribute them throughout their networks. For example, thrift-store organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army will resell toys in their shops and use the profits to support their charitable work. You could also give to Toys for Tots, the United States Marine Co…
See more on goodhousekeeping.com

Buy Nothing Groups

  • Especially amid the coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to find charities and organizations that will accept donations of gently used toys — but that doesn't mean your kid's old things are destined for the dump. If you can't find any places to donate toys, try posting the items on your local Buy Nothing Facebook group. You could also list the toys on Freecycle or Craigslist. Make …
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Hospitals

  • Many hospitals will accept donated toys for their young patients to play with, or to keep children entertained in the waiting room; the same thing goes for doctor's offices. But keep in mind: If you want to donate toys to your local children's hospital, they must be new. Most hospitals have strict hygiene policies, so you'll need to purchase the toy specifically for the purpose of donating (cont…
See more on goodhousekeeping.com

Children's Homes and Shelters

  • Your toys will definitely get played with if you donate them to a local children's or women's shelter. Get in touch with the director of the children's home nearest to you to see where and how your donations can be most useful. Your local social services office might also be able to direct you to children in the foster care system and other children in need who would greatly appreciate gentl…
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Daycare Centers

  • If you've ever been to a day-care center, you know that they go through toys quickly. That's why if you have a ton of lightly used toys to donate, you might contact a center in your area to see if they're able to give your items a second life.
See more on goodhousekeeping.com

Police and Fire Departments

  • Police officers and firefighters often carry stuffed animals and other small toys with them to comfort children at the scenes of traumatic events, and their supply of toys sometimes depends on donations. Reach out to your local police and fire departments to see if they're accepting donations right now. For an easy way to donate toys to this cause, give your items to Stuffed Ani…
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Churches

  • The leader of your local church may know of families within the church who could use a few new toys. Otherwise, the church itself may want the toys to keep children occupied during Sunday school, services or other local events. Contact the church's children's ministry coordinator for more information.
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Recycling Programs

  • If the toys you're looking to get rid of are soiled, torn or otherwise not in great shape, recycling them may be the best bet. You can get in contact with your local recycling service and see if they take toys (because they don't always!), or check out TerraCycle. TerraCycle has a partnership with Hasbro specifically for recycling old toys — it's free and easy! You mail in your toys, and they bre…
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Charities

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Salvation Army and Goodwill are two of the most recognizable charitiesthat 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 effor…
See more on thespruce.com

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 of toys. Some won't accept any items that aren't new due to the risk of spreading illness from seco…
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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…
See more on thespruce.com