Where to donate gently-used toys?

toy earthmoverJeff asks via Twitter:

Anyone know where I could donate gently used kids toys?

This question came up once before -- but it was many, many years ago. And things change.

So, got a suggestion or thought for Jeff? Please share!

Comments

Lots of places! Goodwill is always a good option, but you can also reach out to your local library or community health center (like Whitney Young in Albany or Hometown Health in Schenectady) to see if they'd like the toys for their children's areas. There are also lots of nonprofit day cares and childhood programs in the region that would be thrilled to have your donation.

I would suggest Ronald McDonald House....it does not take toy donations in bulk (ie don't drop off 3 boxes of toys---do that at Salvation army!) but may have specific needs/wants that you may be able to fill. just a thought.

Ronald McDonald House can only accept donations of new toys.

I was recently turned away from Goodwill with a bin full of toy trucks and cars. They do not take loose toys. But the Salvation Army does. SGK had quite a few good suggestions. I ended up giving most of my used toys to a co-worker of a friend who has a child with similar interests as mine.

I would suggest/reccommend Things of My Very Own, it's in Schenectady.

This is actually really hard...most places/people do not take toys especially stuffed animals which are basically not accepted anywhere.

A lot of Methodist Churches run little thrift stores. I've donated toys and clothes to the ones in Ravena and Delmar.

Community Hospice is looking for toy donations for their pediatric bereavement department. The pediatric bereavement team is in need of durable plastic figurines that are in good condition, including: dinosaurs, animals, families, emergency vehicles, and emergency workers, and dollhouses. If you have any donations that fit into these categories, you can drop them off at our Albany office (445 New Karner Road) or, if needed, our volunteer team can arrange a pick up time/location with you.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Thank you,

Allison Moran, MSW
Bereavement Counselor/Volunteer Coordinator
The Community Hospice
445 New Karner Road
Albany, New York 12205
518-330-3282
Allison.H.Moran@sphp.com

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