9 Best Toy Donation Charities That You Should Know | Full List
Have you ever wondered what happens to the toys your kids have outgrown? Or maybe you’re a collector of vintage toys and have a few extras lying around? Either way, instead of tossing them in the trash or letting them gather dust in your attic, why not consider donating them to a toy charity?
Not only will you be clearing out clutter, but you’ll also be providing joy and entertainment to children who might not otherwise have access to toys. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best toy donation charities and explore how your generosity can make a significant impact on the lives of children in need. So, let’s dive in and discover the power of play!
Here are 9 Best Toy Donation Charities:
1. Toys for Tots
At the top of our list, Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that aims to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to children in need. The program was established in 1947 and has since provided millions of children with toys during the holiday season.
The toys collected by Toys for Tots are given to local organizations that then distribute them to families in need in their communities. Toys for Tots mission is to bring joy to children in need during the holiday season and to provide them with a message of hope. The charity has 4 stars on Charity Navigator and a rating of 91%
2. Operation Christmas Child
It is a project of the international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. The project collects and delivers shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and other small gifts to children in need around the world during the Christmas season. The shoeboxes are filled by individuals, families, and groups who want to make a difference in the lives of children who may not otherwise receive gifts during the holidays.
The project aims to bring joy and hope to children in need and to show them that they are loved and cared for. The parent charity has a charity rating of 92% with 4 stars on Charity Navigator.
3. Ronald McDonald House Charities
RMHC has over 360 houses in 65 countries and regions, and it relies on the support of donations and volunteers to run its programs. One way that individuals and groups can support Ronald McDonald House Charities is by donating new toys, games, and other items to help bring some joy and comfort to children staying in the houses.
These toys are used in playrooms, as well as for individual playtime and to celebrate special occasions like birthdays. Toy donations can help provide a sense of normalcy for children and families during a challenging time. They have a perfect rating of a solid 100% on Charity Navigator.
4. Child’s Play
Talking about Child’s Play, is a charity organization that provides toys, games, books, and other entertainment to children in hospitals and domestic violence shelters around the world.
Child’s Play works with a network of hospitals and shelters to provide age-appropriate toys and games that can help distract and comfort children during their hospital stay or in a shelter environment. In addition to providing tangible items, Child’s Play also works to improve the overall experience of children in these environments by supporting technology and gaming initiatives that can provide new ways to play and connect with others. They have a whopping score of 98% with 4 stars on Charity Navigator.
5. Angel Tree
It is a program run by the Prison Fellowship, a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. Angel Tree’s mission is to provide Christmas gifts to the children of incarcerated parents, who may otherwise not receive gifts or have a connection with their parents during the holiday season.
The program works by matching incarcerated parents with sponsors who purchase and deliver gifts to the children on behalf of their parents. In addition to delivering tangible items, Angel Tree also provides spiritual and emotional support to families impacted by incarceration, including mentoring and camp programs for children. They have a rating of 86% on Charity Navigator with 3 stars.
6. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America
BGCA works to provide after-school programs, mentorship, and resources to young people across the United States. The organization’s mission is to help young people reach their full potential and become responsible, caring, and productive citizens.
They also accept donations of toys and games, which are used in the organization’s after-school and summer programs. These toys and games can help provide children with new experiences, spark creativity and imagination, and offer opportunities for socialization and teamwork. As per Charity Navigator, they have a rating of 90% with 4 stars.
7. Project Night Night
They are a non-profit organization that provides comfort and care packages to homeless children in shelters across the United States. The organization’s mission is to help children feel secure, cozy and cared for during a challenging time in their lives.
One way that individuals and groups can support Project Night Night is by donating new or gently used toys, books, and blankets to be included in the care packages. These items can help provide comfort and distraction to children who may be experiencing stress and trauma due to their circumstances. They have an outstanding rating of 100% on Charity Navigator with 4 gold stars.
8. Spark of Love
It is a charity organization run by the Southern California Firefighters that aims to provide toys to underserved children in the region during the holiday season. The organization was founded in 1993 and has since collected and distributed millions of toys to children in need.
The program aims to bring joy and hope to children who may not otherwise receive gifts during the holidays and to promote the spirit of giving and volunteerism. Spark of Love provides a tangible way for individuals and groups to make a difference in the lives of children in their communities. However, the charity does not have any ratings till now.
9. Operation Homefront
Finally, Operation Homefront provides support to military families, and accepts donations of new, unwrapped toys to give to children of military families during the holiday season. The organization’s holiday program, known as Holiday Toy Drive, aims to provide toys to military children in need and bring some joy and happiness during a time when their parents may be deployed or facing other challenges.
The toy donations are collected from various locations across the country and distributed to military families through local Operation Homefront offices. By donating toys to Operation Homefront, individuals and groups can help support military families and bring smiles to the faces of children during the holiday season. They have a rating of 91% on Charity Navigator with 4 gold stars.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, donating toys to charity is not just about getting rid of old toys or doing a good deed. It’s about recognizing the power of play and the impact it can have on a child’s life. By donating toys, you’re providing not just a source of entertainment, but also a tool for learning, creativity, and imagination. You’re giving a child the chance to explore the world around them and discover new things.
Furthermore, toy donation is a reminder that we all have something to offer, whether it’s a toy or our time and resources. Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life, especially for children who may not have access to the same resources and opportunities as others.
So, the next time you’re thinking about decluttering or clearing out your child’s toy box, consider donating to a toy charity. It’s a small gesture that can bring joy and hope to a child in need. Remember, every toy donation counts, and together, we can make a positive impact on the world, one toy at a time.
