Plus, donating is a way of charitablydecluttering your home.
Many worthy organizations welcome toys to be re-homed with children who will love playing with them.
Read on for details on how to donate toys in your local area.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Just avoid fragrant detergents and fabric softeners because these products can be irritating to some children.
Charities
Salvation ArmyandGoodwillare two of the most recognizable charities that take toy donations.
But call your local branch before you go to confirm that it’s accepting toy donations.
The Spruce / Joshua Seong
Either way, the toys will be helping people in your community.
Hospitals
Many medical facilities accept gently used toys for their young patients to play with while hospitalized.
Always check with the medical facility before you show up with a box of toys.
Doctors' Offices
Visit a children’s doctor’s office.
The lobby is often filled with toys people have donated.
Check with your local doctor’s office to see what it needs.
Daycare Centers
Finding a daycare center that does not need more toys is rare.
With so many children to entertain, daycare centers run through toys pretty fast.
The greatest need will likely be toys for young children.
Shelters
Women’s shelters and shelters for homeless people are often overlooked as toy donation sites.
Contact a particular shelter to find out its wish list.
Children’s Homes
Children’s homes are another place to donate used toys for needy kids.
Remember toys for older children, as they’re often overlooked in favor of cute toys for young kids.
Contact a local place of worship to find out what its needs are.
Social Services
Call (or check the website of) your local Department of Social Services.
Contact your local department to find out what it needs and where to bring donations.
It might also need other children’s items, such as clothing and shoes.
Local departments generally ask for donations to provide this service.
Call your local police and fire departments to see if they would like some gently used toys.
Around the holidays, departments often serve as drop-off locations for toys, coats, and other donations.
Clean stuffed animals before donating, even if only gently used.
Check with local charities and organizations in your area.
Carefully pack toys for donation into sturdy boxes.
Wrap any fragile items in bubble wrap.
Disassemble larger toys and group pieces together.
Fill in the box with packing material to prevent the toys from sliding around.
