Donate Used Toys in Brooklyn
From LoveToKnow Charity
There are many opportunities to donate used toys in Brooklyn, New York. As with any large urban center, many nonprofits, religious institutions and governmental entities use toys to help children. Other organizations place donated toys for sale in thrift stores as a way to fund charitable projects.
Why Donate
It is important for children to have toys. Besides the entertainment factor, they promote the development of learning areas of the brain, enhance motor skills and lessen aggression. They also encourage social skills, such as teamwork and sharing.
Unfortunately, many children are in situations where toys are not available such as:
- Poverty
- Crisis situations, such as homelessness
- Medical conditions requiring a hospital stay
Donor Benefits
The recipient certainly benefits from a donation, but there are advantages to the donor as well:
- There is warm feeling when helping a child. Giving to others raises self-esteem and lifts the spirit.
- Children who give to other children learn the value of giving, sharing and community awareness.
- Donating clears clutter and frees up space in your home.
- Donations to recognized nonprofits or religious institutions are deductible from federal income taxes.
- Donating is good for the environment; recycling reduces the stress on landfills.
What to Donate
While the places to give new toys are numerous, there are still organizations that accept "gently used" ones. Used plastic toys, books, board games, stuffed animals and dolls are acceptable if they are in good to excellent condition. Broken, heavily soiled or worn ones are discouraged.
For games and puzzles, make sure all the pieces and the instructions are included. Look for replacement instructions online.
Where to Donate Used Toys in Brooklyn
The charities listed below are a few of the Brooklyn organizations that accept used toys. Talk to the receiving organization before making a donation. Find out specific needs; demand changes frequently. Discuss the donation guidelines and policies, such as tax deduction receipts. Some organizations will pick up, others have specific times and places for dropping off items.
| Organization | Donation Type | Website | Notes |
| Goodwill | Drop-off | www.goodwillny.org | Goodwill accepts used toys, as well as clothing and household goods, at its stores and donation centers. Goods are resold in its thrift stores, which support the Goodwill mission of putting people to work. There are multiple Goodwill locations in Brooklyn. While most toys are accepted, those made of painted wood or metal are not. |
| Salvation Army | Drop-off and pick up service | www.satruck.org | The Salvation Army, like Goodwill, resells items in its thrift stores. The proceeds fund adult rehabilitation centers.
There are four Salvation Army locations in the Brooklyn area. Pick up services are also available and may be scheduled by phoning 1-800-SA-TRUCK or 1-800-728-7825. |
| Second Chance Toys | Toy Drive | secondchancetoys.com | Second Chance Toys (SCT) collects and distributes used plastic toys to prevent them from going into landfills. A 13-year-old girl founded the New York City chapter, a true community-based effort.
SCT conducts collection drives during Earth Week and other designated times, such as Thanksgiving. During these drives, there is a drop-off location for Brooklyn. |
| Room to Grow | Pick up (fee applies), may be mailed | www.roomtogrow.org | Room to Grow is a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of babies born into poverty. Located in Manhattan, Room to Grow accepts used items in excellent condition for children under three. Items can be picked up by messenger service; a tax-deductible fee will apply. You can mail them to 54 West 25th St., #401, New York, NY 10010. There are also frequent collection drives in various locations across New York. |
| Most Holy Trinity Church | Christmas drive | www.mhtbrooklyn.org/ | Most Holy Trinity Church is a Catholic church in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. Among its many projects is the Trinity Human Service Center (THSC), which helps individuals and families in crisis.
THSC sponsors a Christmas toy drive each year. Acceptance policy may change; contact the church for additional information. |
Additional Suggestions
Other places that may accept donations of used toys:
- Local churches and synagogues
- Day cares
- Homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters
- Missionary groups
- Seasonal drives, especially during December
If there are outgrown, unloved or excess toys around, consider giving them to an organization that will put them to good use. With so many places to donate used toys in Brooklyn, the process is easy and benefits all.
Learn More
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