where to donate new toys for kids

by Koby Tillman 10 min read

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

Where is the best place to donate toys?

Mar 28, 2022 · Why Donate Toys? Donating toys is a great idea for multiple reasons! Not only will you be able to declutter your house but you will also be doing the environment a big favor! Reduce Environmental Pollution. Plastic is the most common material used in the production of toys. Toy manufacturing is, in reality, the world’s most plastic-intensive ...

Where can I donate used, but good, toys?

Local women’s shelters are also a great place to donate old and new toys because they’re always loaded with children. How to Have Your Toy Donations Picked Up

Where to donate toys to make a difference?

Many local charities have Toys for Tots programs and welcome your new and gently used toy donations year-round. Log on to DonationTown.org to connect to a charity near you — a charity like the Humane Societyl, Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Good Samaritan Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, or Hope Services.

Where can I donate old clothes and toys?

Dec 01, 2021 · Help make the holidays brighter for homeless children by supporting the Coalition for the Homeless Toy Drive, a charity that distributes more than 5,000 gifts to boys and girls living in New York City shelters. Details on how to donate a toy this year are available on the website. New York Cares. 65 Broadway, 19th Fl. 212-228-5000 Facebook ...

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Is Toys for Tots going to happen in 2021?

Our Toys for Tots campaign for 2021 is now underway!

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.

Do Toys have to be new for Toys for Tots?

It is important to point out that U. S. Marines continually improve the Toys for Tots program. For example, from 1947 through 1979, Marines distributed new and used toys at Christmas. Since Christmas 1980, Marines have distributed only new toys.

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

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 many toys does Toys for Tots give per child?

Toys for Tots provides two toys per child.

Does the Marine Corps still do Toys for Tots?

Concisely stated, this activity encompasses providing a wide range of support to nearly 800 local Toys for Tots Coordinators and their support groups. Today, there are nearly 40,000 Marines, Marine Corps League members, veteran Marines and volunteers involved in annual campaigns.

What does Toys for Tots do with leftover toys?

Members of the community drop new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes positioned in local businesses. Coordinators pick up these toys and store them in central warehouses where the toys are sorted by age and gender.

Why you should donate to Toys for Tots?

About Toys for Tots The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by Marines and volunteers offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. We believe it is such experiences that help disadvantaged children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.

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.

Can you write off Toys for Tots donations?

Please remember that Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, making your gift tax deductible.

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.

How to Find a Toys for Tots Drop Off Location Near You

Toys for Tots has delivered 566 million toys to children since its inception in 1947 and continues to serve struggling families today. Run by the US Marine Corps, it’s one of the top charities in the country providing less fortunate children with presents during the Christmas season.

The Best Types of Toys to Donate to Toys for Tots

While Toys for Tots does not print a list of suggested toys, it goes without saying that toys without batteries, toys that require add-ons, electronics, and anything that can’t be enjoyed immediately after being unwrapped should be avoided.

Where Else To Donate Toys Locally

Making donations has never been easier. Local places to keep in mind include hospitals, shelters, churches/synagogues/mosques, children’s centers, nurseries, schools, and grocery stores.

How to Have Your Toy Donations Picked Up

In an ever-increasing world of convenience, making donations doesn’t even require leaving the comfort of your own home. Some of us work 40+ hours a week and don’t have time to make the trip to our local drop-off center, no matter how eager we are to do so. Fortunately, some charities and organizations are willing to pick up your donations.

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. They take your used toys and sell them at very affordable prices. They also accept clothes, books, and other items.

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.

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.

Which charities can I support through my toy donation?

DonationTown.org will help you locate a charity in your community that will accept your new and gently used toy donations. Many local charities have Toys for Tots programs and welcome your new and gently used toy donations year-round.

What kinds of toys can I donate?

Most charities welcome toy donations of all kinds. (Please do not, however, donate broken toys or toys with parts missing.) Donate sporting equipment and beach toys. Donate dolls, donate Barbies, donate stuffed animals in good condition. Donate action figures, donate dress-up costumes, donate puzzles.

I want to donate used toys! What to do?

If you have other items, in addition to used toys, that you would like to donate to charity, DonationTown.org will help you find a charity in your area that will accept your donations AND help you schedule a fast, free pick-up of your items.

How can I schedule a fast, FREE pickup of my toy donation?

It only takes a few minutes of your time. DonationTown.org has made it easier than ever for you to connect to a nearby charity in order to donate used toys. Donating new and used toys is fast, free, and sure to bring big smiles to the faces of little ones in your community.

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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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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…
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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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