Where to Donate Used Toys
There are many opportunities to donate used toys available within the community and on a national level. Sharing used toys with charities and other service organizations in your community is a great way to teach your kids to give while decluttering at the same time.

​Suggestions are listed alphabetically below. 

Local Options for Donating Toys

Church Nurseries
Most churches provide nurseries to entertain young children during adult services.  Check with yours to see if they would benefit from some gently used toys.

Daycare Centers
The toys at day care centers see a lot of love, so the occasional influx of ‘new’ toys is often greatly appreciated by both children and care givers.  Call around to day care centers in your area with your offer to donate used toys. ​

Emergency Services
Many police and fire departments like to have a supply of stuffed animals and/or toys to distribute to children in traumatic situations. Check with your local services to see if they accept donations. 

Family, Friends & Neighbors
Over the years I have passed numerous toys down to the children of family, friends, and neighbors once my children have outgrown them.  We have also been the recipient of some pretty cool stuff as others have passed their old toys on to my children.  Maybe there is someone in your life whose children would love to put some more miles on the toys your kids’ have outgrown.

Foster Care Services
Many children in the foster care system have very few things they can call their own. Check with a foster care or other social service agency in your area to see if they accept toy donations. 

Shelters
Check with your local women’s shelter or homeless shelter to see if they accept donations of used toys.  Many children in these situations have very few personal possessions.   Having toys to play with can help make a difficult situation less stressful.   ​

Thrift Stores
Thrift Stores are a great place to donate used toys.  Families with limited means can shop for toys affordably at such stores, and the proceeds go to charity. 

Waiting Rooms
Most pediatricians have a small supply of toys in their waiting room to keep young patients entertained while they wait for their turn with the doctor.  Check with your pediatrician to see if donations are accepted.  You can also check with a family practice doctor or dentist or any business with a waiting room that serves families. ​

Charities that Accept Donations of Used Toys

Second Chance Toys has the goal of keeping plastic toys out of land fills. They distribute donated toys to underprivileged children. These guys operate in five states (California, Virginia/Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York). If you don't see a drop-off location near you, they offer to make arrangements with a local charity for pick-up of donations of 50 or more toys. 
The Vietnam Veterans of America will come right to your door to pickup donations of a variety of items including toys. Donations benefit American veterans and their families. 
If it feels like toys are taking over part (or all) of your home it may be time to declutter.   You can donate used toys to any one of a number of worthy organizations.  Better yet, if you have many toys to donate, split your donation among multiple recipients.  
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Children have an amazing capacity for compassion.  Involve them in the process, and you will likely be surprised and gratified to see the enthusiasm with which they embrace the idea of sharing their toys with someone in need.   

Page last updated on December 27, 2021.
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