Donate Used Toys

Are you looking for a way to donate used toys to a charitable organization that can put them to good use?

Donate Unwanted Items

As your children get older, they'll likely outgrow or become bored with many toys that are in perfectly good condition. Instead of throwing them away or leaving them in your closets to take up space and gather dust, consider sharing them with organizations that can help get them into the hands of youngsters who will greatly appreciate them and put them to good use.

You'll benefit too, both in terms of reducing clutter in your home as well as receiving a valuable tax deduction. Your children will also learn important lessons about sharing and will be exposed to the importance and benefits of philanthropy from young ages.

Many types of nonprofit organizations accept donations of toys. Some charitable groups sell donated toys, providing support for a good cause while also helping many families afford toys for their children that they would not otherwise be able to purchase. Others distribute the toys they receive from directly to underprivileged youngsters. Still others make the toys available for children who utilize their services, providing entertainment during difficult times.

Some places you want to consider when looking to donate used toys include:

Put old toys to good use.

• Thrift Shops – Charitable groups such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and others accept donations of all types of second hand items, including toys, for resale in thrift shops. Most of these types of shops take donations during their standard hours of operation, as well as via drop boxes placed in various areas within the communities they serve.

• Ronald McDonald House – If you're fortunate enough to have a Ronald McDonald House in your community, the facility provides an excellent opportunity to donate your used toys to a worthwhile cause. These facilities provide shelter for families who have to travel away from home to seek hospital treatment for a child. While the child is in the hospital, eligible family members are provided a place to stay. The facilities are designed to provide as many comforts of home as possible, including a playroom for the youngest family members. When you donate used toys to this organization, you can provide enjoyment to children whose siblings are seriously ill. Visit RHMC.com to locate the house closest to you.

• Women's Shelters – If your community has a shelter for battered women, consider sharing toys that your child no longer wants or needs with the organization. These types of shelters operate on shoestring budgets, providing a safe haven for women and children who have fled abusive family environments. They rely heavily on donations of money and items of all types to help the clients they serve. Toys can be an important part of the healing process for children in this difficult situation. It's important for youngsters coping with such a stressful situation to have opportunities to relax and play while their mothers face the struggles associated with getting back on their feet.

• Church Day Care Centers – Many Slideshow:Small Church Fundraiser Ideas churches operate nonprofit day care and mom's day out programs. Many of them accept donations of toys that are appropriate for the age group of youngsters who participate in their programs.

Each organization that takes donated toys has its own guidelines for what types of items are accepted. Most request that donations are in good condition and in proper working order, simply because they don't have the resources to repair broken items. Some are hesitant to accept used stuffed animals because of concern about the potential for transferring germs.

Before dropping off second hand toys at a nonprofit organization call to verify that the types of items you want to give are things the agency needs. If the organization you contact isn't able to utilize what you want to donate, it's likely that the person you speak with will be able to refer you to another charitable group that is in desperate need of the items you have.

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