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Zero-waste living is all the rage these days. More and more people are becoming conscious about how much waste they produce when purchasing new goods. If you’ve got kids, it’s likely that they have outgrown their old toys months ago and haven’t been using them for a while.
This begs the question, does Salvation Army take toys? It’s essential to give old toys away but it’s not so easy when you have several bags full to hand over. One of the best ways of keeping waste to a minimum is to donate goods to charity.
This is where Salvation Army steps in and picks up some of these items which can then be sold to raise money for the charity’s services.
Can you donate toys to Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army is a Christian charity and the two go hand-in-hand. They work to provide much needed help to the less fortunate and their services include food, housing and clothing. Toys are an impeccable way to give kids something to play with and keep them occupied. They enhance their development and help them to learn new things. In that case, you might want to know whether Salvation Army takes toys.
There are kids out there who aren’t fortunate enough to have toys to play with and don’t own a single one. They could be going through some tough times and anything you can do to help them would be a blessing.
The truth is Salvation Army accepts all manner of toys including stuffed animals. The toys you donate here can help children around the world. As long as the toys are in good condition, Salvation Army will happily take them off your hands. They accept mainly new or gently used toys. So make sure the items aren’t broken, soiled, or stained before you pass them on.
If you are thinking of donating toys to Salvation Army, please be sure to check their guidelines first. You need to ensure that the toys comply with their regulations especially when it comes to safety.
The donated toys are usually gifted to children who are impoverished, sick or even orphaned. The items you donate don’t just make them happy but boost their morale and let them know that they are not alone. Some are also sold at the Salvation Army thrift stores at decent prices.
They have employees who will assess the condition of the toys before they can be accepted. Check with your local Salvation Army center to find out how you can donate toys and their policy.
What Types Of Toys They Accept
Here’s a list of the most requested toys that the Salvation Army accepts. Keep in mind the age groups.
| Age Group | Accepted Toys |
|---|---|
| Infant | Rattles, mobiles, stuffed animals, board books |
| Toddler | Building blocks, shape sorters, stuffed animals, ride-on toys |
| Preschool | Play kitchen sets, dolls, action figures, educational toys |
| School-age | Board games, arts and crafts sets, sports equipment, electronic games |
| Teen | MP3 players, smartphones, laptops, sports equipment |
Where else can you donate toys?
Aside from Salvation Army, toys are also accepted at some charity shops or thrift stores. In that case, make sure you check with the facility first and then match the toys to their requirements. Below are some places where toys can be donated.
Goodwill
Goodwill is one of the biggest charities in the United States. It runs thrift stores and provides services for those in need. The store has more than 300 locations across the country and accepts donations of gently used toys, clothing, furniture, books and electronics.
They aim to help people who have difficulty in making ends meet and provide some level of support by offering them valuable items at affordable prices.
Children’s hospitals
Children’s hospitals accept donations of toys, games and puzzles. Donations are mainly targeted towards children who are undergoing treatment for some illnesses and want to cheer up the hospital environment.
Some facilities accept donations of clothing, video games, interactive toys and puzzles, dolls and stuffed animals. Make sure to visit the nearest children’s hospital to find out what items they will accept.
Daycare Centers
Many children spend time at daycare centers and may need toys to play with. You can also donate gently used toys in good condition to the centers, which offers a safe environment for children to play and learn. It’s important to check with the daycare center first to know their requirements and guidelines.
Most facilities accept donations of new or used toys.
Children’s homes
Kids of all ages live in children’s homes. Some of these facilities don’t have enough funding or sufficient toys for the children. In this case, you can donate gently used or new toys to these homes. When you visit the home, find out on what items they accept donations.
Some facilities accept clothing and accessories but not toys so do your homework first before donating anything.
Women’s shelters
Abused, neglected and homeless women often end up in shelters. Sometimes, they go with their children and don’t have any toys to play with. But since they are living in a shelter, they can’t possibly bring the toys that they own with them. Most people go to these locations with very few possessions and may appreciate some toys for the kids to play with.
Final Thoughts
Toys are a blessing to kids and far more than just entertainment. We can all afford to donate at least one toy to charity every now and then. Salvation Army accepts a lot of items, some being toys. But you need to check their guidelines first to make sure the items are free from any damage or stains.
Sadly, many children have grown out of toys and don’t have any new ones. You can change their lives for the better by donating to Salvation Army or any other charity that accepts toys. They will give these items a new home as they make their way to the kids.
FAQs
What is the best place to donate used toys to?
Daycare centers, children’s homes, and women’s shelters are a few of the best places to donate used toys. Donating toys can truly make a difference not only to the physical well-being of children but also their level of morale and happiness. It’s your chance to spread some cheer and brighten up the lives of people who need it most, either at home or abroad.
How do you get rid of stuffed animals?
Used stuffed animals are almost always donated to people or organizations that can put them to good use. Used toys are often sold at thrift stores or yard sales, or donated to animal shelters. If the toy is still in good shape and your children have outgrown it, it may be best to donate it rather than throwing it away.
