where to donate second hand toys

by Doris Fahey 9 min read

Toy Donation Options 1. Resell Charities Charity thrift stores such as Goodwill

Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries International Inc., or shortened to Goodwill, is an American nonprofit 501c organization that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people who have barriers preventing them from otherwise obtainin…

and The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church and an international charitable organisation. The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents collectively known as Salvationists. Its founders …

accept toys and then put them on the store floor for others to buy.

Full Answer

Where can I donate toys?

Jun 22, 2021 · National and Local Charities Both national and local charities are great options to consider when looking to donate any used toys. One popular option is Toys for Tots, a well-known charity that gives toys to children in need and is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. "Toys for Tots also has a literacy program as well," says Silvester.

What do charities do with old toys?

Apr 09, 2021 · Second Chance Toys is a charity that has dropoff locations in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and DC/Northern Virginia. If you have more than 50 toys to give away, you can call them and they’ll arrange for a dropoff at a location near you. This charity specializes in finding homes for used toys.

Can I donate toys to domestic violence shelters?

Dec 13, 2021 · The San Francisco Fire Department even has a long-standing toy donation program where they distribute the toys they’ve collected to unfortunate children all year round. Contact your local fire department to see if they’re accepting toy donations and where you can send or drop your donation off. 8. Local Social Services

Where can I donate stuffed animals?

Aug 12, 2020 · 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. But you can also give stuff away free stuff near you. Just list your free toys in the “Free” section of Craigslist there and people in need are sure to snatch them up. 14. DonationTown.org

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Where can I donate second hand toys UK?

Where to donate toys for ChristmasSalvation Army. Every year, the Salvation Army run a Christmas Present Appeal in churches and centres across the UK. ... Giving Tree via Kids Out. ... Action for Children. ... Great Ormond Street Hospital. ... British Heart Foundation. ... The TOY Project. ... The Toy Appeal. ... Little Village.More items...•Dec 2, 2021

How do you give away toys?

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

How do you get rid of too many toys?

It is the parent or caregiver's responsibility to pare things down from time to time, for everyone's sanity.Get Rid of "Busy Toys" ... Pass On Contraptions. ... Give Away Things for Younger Children. ... Eliminate Duplicates. ... Display The Good Stuff. ... Limit the Number of Toys. ... Rotate For Variety.

What items does goodwill not accept?

Donations Goodwill CANNOT AcceptFurniture that is covered in animal hair, broken, worn, torn, stained, or missing parts. ... Bean bag chairs.Sleeper sofas.Due to the Digital TV Transition, Goodwill will only take flat-screen tvs.Excessively large/bulky items such as swing sets, swimming pools, unbound carpeting, etc.More items...•Feb 24, 2014

When will kids toys be donated in 2021?

March 17, 2021. You probably have several of the kids’ toys collecting dust at home and want to get rid of them through a donation. Luckily, there are many non-profit organizations in the US that will be happy to receive the old toys of your little ones. In case you have a significant number of toys to donate, some charities allow you ...

What is donation town?

Donation Town is basically a donation pickup search engine. You’re able to easily discover nearby charities that can pick up your toy donation. With that said, the site is not perfect as they possibly miss some charities that do offer free pickup.

What is Toys for Tots?

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to needy children. You’re probably familiar with the toy drives they do during the holiday season, which they’re famous for. The program accept toy donations year round at many locations throughout the US.

What is Ronald McDonald House?

Ronald McDonald House is a charity whose mission is to create and support programs that directly improves the well-being of children and their families. The organization helps alleviate some financial burdens for families with sick kids who are away from home by offering free lodging and meals. Since they typically house the entire family, toys are always needed to entertain the little ones.

What is the mission of the Christian charity?

This is a Christian charity whose mission is to meet human needs without discrimination in every way possible. They offer various programs that benefit the community including disaster relief, homeless shelters, adult rehabilitation and summer camps for kids. The organization also provides Christmas gifts to needy families and children during the holiday season.

What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Big Brothers Big Sisters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a charity organization that strives to change the lives of young people facing adversity to the better. The organization matches each enrolled child with a volunteer mentor who’s well suited to their needs.

What is Vietnam Veterans of America?

Vietnam Veterans of America. This is a nonprofit corporation that is committed to serving the needs of all veterans in the US. They provide several services like veterans claims assistance, financial advising and job placement plus outreach programs for homelessness, substance abuse, educational advancement and more.

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.

National and Local Charities

Both national and local charities are great options to consider when looking to donate any used toys. One popular option is Toys for Tots, a well-known charity that gives toys to children in need and is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. "Toys for Tots also has a literacy program as well," says Silvester.

Children's Homes and Shelters

If you want to make sure your used toys have plenty of children to love on them, then homes and shelters for children are an exceptional option. Even better, you can look up some children's local homes and shelters to ask if they're looking for toy donations in order to give back to the little ones in your own community.

Hospitals

Many hospitals accept used toy donations to share with young patients or even visitors, but be sure to ask about donation rules and guidelines before making the trip; they may have hygiene restrictions or other rules around what you can and cannot donate.

Fire Departments

Fighting fires is a dangerous job and sometimes it requires comforting scared children. A toy can be a great way to do that. If you want to contribute your child's gently used toys to this cause, connect with your local fire department or consider giving your items to Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE).

Places of Worship

Churches, synagogues, and mosques have all been known to host several events within communities to give back to those in need, often giving out everything from food and clothing to toys for children. If you have a lot of toys to donate, call around to a few different places of worship to ask if and when they're accepting any toy donations.

Recycling Programs

Ultimately, if no one wants your toys or they're in bad shape, you should try to recycle them. Search online to find out whether you have any local recycling non-profits near you. Hasbro has partnered with Terracycle to accept donated used toys and games. They're then taken apart and processed into raw materials.

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 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.

Do police officers carry stuffed animals?

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.

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 you throw old toys in the trash?

While you might consider simply throwing those old toys in the trash, there are plenty of kids who would love to receive them. And at the very least, you can help them avoid the landfill. Here are all the places you can donate gently used toys, including electronics, stuffed animals, dolls and other items.

What is stuffed animal safe?

Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE for short) is a charity that gives stuffed animals to children in emergency situations. Such as children who are involved in a domestic violence incident, a house fire, car accident, or other traumatic event. You can donate gently used stuffed animals to SAFE.

What do domestic violence shelters do?

Domestic violence shelters act as temporary housing while parents work to set up a safe living situation away from their abuser. 8. Resale Stores.

What is emergency childcare?

Many metropolitan cities have emergency childcare services – often called crisis nurseries – for parents who are in a bind and need occasional child care. For instance, if a parent is trying to get help for addiction, or move, or something similar, they can find childcare for a specified amount of time.

Does the Salvation Army accept toys?

The Salvation Army has thrift stores located throughout the United States. Besides toys, the Salvation Army accepts clothing, furniture, automobiles, and more. Note that not all Salvation Army thrift stores or home pickup trucks accept all types of toys or stuffed animals.

Does Marines Toys For Tots accept used toys?

There were a few articles that said U.S. Marines Toys For Tots program accepts used toys as well. According to this webpage, that hasn’t been the case since 1980. The Toys For Tots website said that distributing used toys to some children was giving them the wrong message that they weren’t worthy of new toys, while kids who received new toys were more deserving.

Who is Laurie Blank?

Laurie Blank is a blogger, freelance writer, and mother of four. She’s psyched about teaching others how to manage their money in a way that aligns with their values and has been quoted in Bankrate.

Does Goodwill donate used toys?

Goodwill Industries has been providing help for those in need for over 100 years. When you donate used toys to a Goodwill thrift store, you’ll help Goodwill raise money. The money it raises goes to help the community in a variety of different ways. They help people find jobs, meet their financial needs, and more.

Where to Donate Toys

Finding a place to donate your children’s old toys isn’t that hard. There are a lot of places that accept and are in great need of toy donations. These includes:

How to Donate Toys to Children in Need

Now that you know where to donate toys to unfortunate children, let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts when donating toys.

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a professional writer and SEO specialist. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources. She is the lead author for several prominent websites covering a variety of topics including law, health, nutrition, and more.

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.

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 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.

Toy Donation Options

There are many good charities like the Salvation Army and the goodwill foundations, which receive the toys from the giver. After they have accepted the toys they will put them up for sale for others to purchase.

Specific Charities That donate Toys for Kids

Earlier it was mentioned that there are many charities that are local and they may not accept your donations. But there is nothing to worry as there are charities which are National they take toys donations. Here s is the list of such charities that take donations for games and toys.

What to Avoid Donating Toys to Kids

There are many charities that love to take donations. But still, there are certain things that you should avert –

Toys and Taxes

In many cases, you can claim deduction on your taxes by donating toys. For that, you have to assemble the toys and see what the condition of it is. Then you should go ahead by making a donation to an organization which is tax-exempt.

Conclusion

You can also visit the website DonationTown.org which takes the donations for charities near your locality. All you have to do is enter your zip code and it will provide a time for pick up of the toys and stuff and it’s giving to the charities.

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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…
See more on goodhousekeeping.com

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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