OT: Where can I donate children's toys?

[NY Disney fan]

Where can I make a large donation of brand new children's toys to a reputable place? I was thinking of a local hospital (children's ward) or something similar.

Has anyone ever done this? Thanks.

 

[Kellyscrapbooks]

I'd like to recommend donating to Shriners. They do amazing things. A good friend of mine (who actually posts here on the DIS) had an accident with her son earlier this year where he was badly burned. The care that they provided for them was incredible and at a level I've never heard of. http://www.shrinershq.org/

 

[Mouse House Mama]

You could call a local woman's shelter and tell them you want to donate. Those kids often leave home with nothing. At my job we used to make up care packages and someone from the shelter would meet my co-worker at a location and pick it up. This way nobody knows where the safe house is.

 

[Benducci]

Your local pediatric unit at the hospital would love gifts. It is a nice surprise for a child who has to be in the hospital for whatever reason to get a gift. (my daughters were receipients of some toys when they were hospitalized & it helped them get through treatments)
You could also contact your local Elks, Knights of Columbus or Masons & see if they have any events in which toys for children are being collected.

Your local pre-school would also love toys.

 

[Candid]

Your local Department of Family Services is always in need of toys. Some children have to wait at the office for one reason or another and the toys that they ususally have on hand aren't in the greatest shape. I've also donated to the local children's hospital and the woman's shelter.

 

[Nanu57v]

I know our hospital gives out books to children who stay there, and they are always looking for donations of books.

Daycare centers could always use donations as well, especially in low income areas. For example, in our daycare 40% of our families are considered low-income. There just isn't the money to always get toys when you have to worry about getting payroll or paper towels.

Also, you could think of the Abuse Network in your area so they can place them with families in hiding. Often these families have to leave everything so they can be safe.

 

[8 Ears]

I second the Shriner's. They are top notch! We have never paid one cent and have received love, care, support, education at our level each and every time we talk on the phone, go to clinics or visit the hospital it self.

 

[Samismom]

I give a lot to Big Brothers Big Sisters in my area. There brochure says they take them and I'm hoping they put them to goo duse. SOme hospitals won't take toys that aren't new due to health reasons, many kids are so sick their immune systems cant' fight off much, but daycare centers and nursery schools are often looking. I'm sure shelters would be thrilled also.

 

[belle&beast]

I donate my kids toys to our local early intervention therapy program through an organization for people with disabilities. I worked there for 3 years and spent lots of money buying toys to use for therapy and to leave with families who do not have toys for their children.

 

[vauro1974]

Request of relatives informations

Text deleted. Not related to topic. Perhaps posted here by accident. Poster please get in touch with me.

Thanks!
Beth E. (NJ)

 

[clownchk]

Yes, Shriners are definate unsung heros!!!

I would HIGHLY recommend EVERYONE supporting them in any way you can! (Even if its just taking your kids to the Shrine Circus!)

Contact them for specifics, but they are wonderful in their care! EVERY child recieves toys there (For personal use! as well as group play) and every child that stays longer then 30 days gets a going home party complete with gifts!

Clinic visit for follow up? Yup new gifts! (Usually beanie babies, but there have been small dolls, hand held games and yes you can get "just" pencils and stickers).

Local Shrine Groups can use the toys for Auctions, or distribute amung their local kids. (CHristmas parties for their kids for example)

THe parents who have been blessed by this group are NEVER charged!! Flights, Medical and personal care are all covered by donations!!!

Check them out!

 

[Nanu57v]

What in the world is that above post?

Anyway, I had a great idea after I posted my first ideas. Oh wait, it just left again. Okay its back...Toys for Tots!!!

When I was in high school I volunteered to help with a Toys for Tots party where they give out a Christmas present to needy kids in the area via a party by invite only. Boy were those kids disappointed when we ran out of "real" toys and had to start giving out Happy Meal toys. I'm sure they'd really appreciate a donation.