Best Places to Donate Used Toys: A Complete Guide

As parents, we often wonder what to do with our kids’ old toys. Instead of throwing them away, we can donate them to those in need. This can really help¹. Places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift stores are great for donating toys. They give these items a new life and support community programs¹.

Many parents also choose to buy secondhand toys. This can save money and help the environment.

But there are even more ways to donate toys. Groups like Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE) and The Arc use toy donations to help kids in tough times or support people with disabilities¹. ClothingDonations.org, run by the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), even offers free pickup in 32 states and Washington D.C. to make donating easy¹.

Key Takeaways

Donating used toys can reduce waste and provide joy to underprivileged children.
Reputable charities like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift stores accept toy donations.
Organizations focused on children’s well-being, such as SAFE and The Arc, also welcome toy donations.
Some charities, like VVA’s ClothingDonations.org, offer free pickup services for toy donations.
Proper preparation and research can ensure your used toys go to the best place to make a difference.

Why Donate Your Used Toys?

Reducing Waste and Helping Others

Donating used toys does more than just clean up our homes. It helps reduce waste and cuts down on our environmental impact². Toys account for about 6% of landfill waste globally². Our donations can also bring happiness and fun to kids in need, helping underprivileged families and communities.

Groups like Second Chance Toys recycle plastic toys and give them to kids in need since 2006². Toys for Tots gives out about 8 million toys each holiday season to less fortunate kids². Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE) has given over 350,000 stuffed animals to kids in need over 25 years².

Donating toys also has tax benefits when given to qualified nonprofits. It’s a great way to teach kids about giving back and helping others.

Donating our used toys has a big impact on the environment and helps underprivileged kids. By supporting recycling and distribution efforts, we can reduce the environmental impact of toy waste and make kids happy². It’s a win-win that we should all support.

“Donating toys is a simple way to make a real difference in a child’s life.”

Where is the Best Place to Donate Used Toys?

There are many good charities and organizations in the U.S. that accept used toys. National thrift store chains like Goodwill and Salvation help by selling these items to fund their work³. Local children’s homes, shelters, and religious centers also welcome toy donations to help kids in need⁴.

For those who prefer online giving, Donation Town connects you with local toy drives and pickup services⁵. Some groups support our military and first responders by accepting toy donations for kids in tough situations³.

Goodwill and Salvation Army are well-known for accepting used toy donations³.
Jaycees, a community service organization, hosts toy drives for new and gently used toys³.
The U.S. Marines’ recruiting office collects toys for their Toys for Tots program³.

It’s important to clean and prepare toys before donating to ensure they’re safe for the next child⁵. By supporting these organizations, we can help children in need⁴.

“Donating used toys is a wonderful way to give back to the community and teach children the value of charity.”

Your gently used toys can bring joy and make a big difference for underprivileged children. So, let’s do our part and find the best place to donate our used toys today!³⁴⁵

Preparing Your Toys for Donation

Donating used toys requires careful preparation. To get your toys ready for donation, follow these easy steps:

Clean and sanitize – Wash plastic toys in warm water with mild soap, then dry them in the air. For stuffed animals, a gentle machine wash is best, avoiding harsh detergents that can irritate skin⁶.
Disassemble larger toys – Break down big toys into smaller parts. This makes it simpler for donation centers to check and share them⁶.
Safely package – Put your toys in strong boxes or bags to avoid damage during transport. Always check the donation rules of your chosen charity, as they might have special needs for toy types and conditions⁶.

By following these steps, you make sure your toys are clean, complete, and ready to bring happiness to a child in need⁷⁸.

Your thoughtful donation can truly change a child’s life. So, collect those gently used toys, give them a little care, and prepare them for their new homes⁸.

Conclusion

Donating used toys to charities helps our communities and cuts down on waste⁹. It makes our homes tidy and helps kids in need find joy in these items⁹. Supporting national groups, local shelters, or online platforms can change lives for the better¹⁰.

Before donating, we should clean and check the toys’ condition⁹. Getting our kids involved teaches them about sharing and empathy⁹. Knowing our donations bring happiness to others is rewarding¹¹.

Donating toys is a simple way to help our environment and support good causes⁹. By following this guide, we can make a big difference in our communities¹⁰. Together, we can build a kinder, greener world, one toy at a time.

FAQ

Where can I donate used toys?

You can donate used toys to many charities and organizations. Places like Salvation Army and Goodwill are great options. You can also give to local children’s homes, religious centers, and military support groups. Online platforms like Donation Town are also available.

What are the benefits of donating used toys?

Donating used toys helps reduce waste and supports the environment. It also brings joy to children in need. Plus, you might get tax deductions for donations to certain nonprofits.

How do I prepare toys for donation?

Clean and prepare toys before donating. Wash plastic toys in warm water with mild soap. For stuffed animals, use the washing machine gently. Disassemble big toys and pack them securely in boxes or bags.

What types of toys do charities typically accept?

Charities accept many types of toys, both new and used. But, always check the donation guidelines of your chosen charity. They might have specific requirements for the toys they accept.

Can I claim a tax deduction for donating used toys?

Yes, you might get a tax deduction for donating used toys to certain nonprofits. Keep detailed records of your donations. Then, talk to a tax professional to understand the requirements.

Source Links

Where to Donate Used Toys – 16 Charities & Places to Consider – https://www.moneycrashers.com/where-donate-used-toys/
22 Best Places To Donate New & Gently Used Toys To Kids in Need – https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/where-to-donate-toys
is there Jaycees or some other places to donate used toys – https://southernairboat.com/community/threads/is-there-jaycees-or-some-other-places-to-donate-used-toys.32031/
Donating & Recycling Toys | Berkeley Parents Network – https://www.berkeleyparentsnetwork.org/recommend/charity/toys
Where to Donate Toys and Other Children’s Items After Spring Cleaning – https://blog.aaastateofplay.com/2019/04/where-to-donate-toys-and-other.html
Donate Items in Tampa | The Children’s Home — Children’s Home Network – https://www.childrenshomenetwork.org/donate-in-kind-items
These Are the Best Places to Donate Used Toys to Kids Who Need Then Most – https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a34330608/where-to-donate-toys/
How to donate your toys and kids’ clothes: A Guide to Spreading Joy – https://www.1800gotjunk.com/us_en/blog/decluttering/how-to-donate-toys
Toys of Christmas Past: Toy Donation & Teaching our Children Empathy – Super Simple – https://supersimple.com/article/toys-of-christmas-past-toy-donation-teaching-our-children-empathy/
The Best Places to Donate Your Used Goods – https://unimovers.com/blog/the-best-places-to-donate-your-used-goods/
Where to donate new and gently used kid items where they will actually do some good – The Boston Globe – https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/10/lifestyle/where-donate-new-used-kid-items-where-they-will-actually-do-some-good/