It can be hard to let go of toys that are no longer played with but hold sentimental value, but knowing those toys will be enjoyed by kids who will truly appreciate them makes it a lot easier.
Following is a list of toys you can donate to some really great organizations knowing they will not only be enjoyed, but will be given to kids who might not otherwise have quality toys to play with.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzle Warehouse – Old puzzles donated to Puzzle Warehouse will be given to non-profit organizations such as schools, homeless shelters, churches, and jails.
Stuffed Animals
Stuffed Animals for Emergencies – This non-profit organizes local volunteers to collect, clean, and distribute stuffed animals (as well as books, children’s clothing, and baby items) to local organizations to provide as comfort for children who have experienced traumatic or emotional situations.
American Girl Dolls
Yes She Can – This special organization not only offers these dolls at an affordable price to children who will give them the love they deserve, it also provides jobs to young women with autism.
Other Dolls
Nursing Homes – Some Alzheimer patients have responded positively to being given a baby doll to care for. If you can’t find a local nursing home that will accept a donation of gently used baby dolls, try this website for contact info about possibly mailing a doll donation.
Another organization that accepts gently used dolls is If you have broken or damaged dolls that can’t be refurbished and given new homes, you can send them to the Angelic Doll Hospital to be recycled.
Halloween Costumes
‘Ween Dream – Kids whose families can’t afford to buy Halloween costumes can still enjoy the holiday thanks to donations through this organization.
Legos
Brick Recycler – Legos donated to Brick Dreams will be cleaned and donated to kids in need all over the world.
Sports Equipment
Let’s Play it Forward – This organization collects and donates used sports equipment to charitable organizations and individuals that make it possible for kids from all economic backgrounds to enjoy sports.
Small Toy Cars (Such as Hot Wheels)
Hot Wheels for Hope – This organization collects toy cars and donates them to children in refugee camps all over the world, as well as other non-profits and victims of natural disasters.
Other Toys
Have some toys to donate that aren’t on this list? If you can’t find a local charity or community organization to donate them to, Second Chance Toys is another option to check out.
Whatever organization you choose, you can feel good knowing your once-loved toys can once again make someone smile!
Where to donate other items
To read about charitable organizations seeking donations of items other than toys, click here.
Hi,
My name is Alison Pfister. Lately I have been refurbishing AG and OG dolls for my niece. It’s been fun and I got a great response from my nieces. I wanted to donate some of my refurbished dolls to charity. Recycling the doll is so important to me. It’s sad to see these things get thrown into the landfill. I throughly wash them re-stuff them and sometimes change the wig. It would be great to make somebody happy with a free doll. If this is something you would like that would be great. If not that’s ok too. maybe you know another charity that would. I live in Morro Bay California. I wanted to reach out today. I think your charity is awesome. My nephew is autistic. Thanks for all you do : )
Sincerely,
Alison Pfister
Hi Alison, I agree with you – it is so nice to be able to see dolls go to a new loving home instead of a landfill. The organization I mentioned in my article, Yes She Can, is a wonderful place to donate American Girl dolls that haven’t yet been refurbished, but since you’re refurbishing the dolls yourself, my suggestion would be to connect with a local organization to find a specific child who would love a new doll. Maybe a children’s hospital, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse, or a foster placement organization?
That reply seemed rather odd a new vs. refurbished. I would assume underprivileged kids wouldn’t care.
Your assumption that a kid from an impoverished background would be just as happy with a used doll with ratty hair as one that looks brand new would be wrong.