Make room post-holidays for all the new toys in your home by donating the old. Not only will this conquer clutter, the charitable act can spark a family tradition while also making a child’s day.
When he was younger, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal received a special gift himself and now volunteers with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “I’d love for the millions of kids in need across the country to experience that same joy,” he says.
“Children learn what they are taught,” adds philanthropy advocate Enid Ablowitz. “They mimic what they see … teaching children to give can be so much more effective if there is a focus on impact and personal involvement.”
Getting started
Identify a local nonprofit in need of new or gently used toys (think women’s shelters and children’s hospitals). Some organizations post their current wish lists online. Seattle Children’s Hospital[LW3] , Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. all request items such as coloring books, plush toys, arts and craft supplies, and sports equipment.
Spread the word
Post fliers in your neighborhood or request space in your school newsletter. Other ways to drum up support:
Pitch the idea as a service project to scouting or school-based organizations.
Set a specific place and time for dropping off the new or gently used toys. Turn your garage or basement into “sorting central.” Enlist the help of your kids and their friends to box or bag up the donations according to gender and age.
Delivering joy
Coordinate delivery times with the charity, letting them know if you’ll need assistance with the haul. Also, ask if your child can accompany you. (For instance, access to a children’s cancer ward may be limited in order to safeguard the patients’ health.)
If not, inquire as to whether someone on staff can email you photos of the kids and their new toys. Nothing says “thank you” quite like a giant smile!
Post-holiday toy donations
Make room post-holidays for all the new toys in your home by donating the old. Not only will this conquer clutter, the charitable act can spark a family tradition while also making a child’s day.
When he was younger, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal received a special gift himself and now volunteers with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “I’d love for the millions of kids in need across the country to experience that same joy,” he says.
“Children learn what they are taught,” adds philanthropy advocate Enid Ablowitz. “They mimic what they see … teaching children to give can be so much more effective if there is a focus on impact and personal involvement.”
Getting started
Identify a local nonprofit in need of new or gently used toys (think women’s shelters and children’s hospitals). Some organizations post their current wish lists online. Seattle Children’s Hospital[LW3] , Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. all request items such as coloring books, plush toys, arts and craft supplies, and sports equipment.
Spread the word
Post fliers in your neighborhood or request space in your school newsletter. Other ways to drum up support:
Collecting the goods
Set a specific place and time for dropping off the new or gently used toys. Turn your garage or basement into “sorting central.” Enlist the help of your kids and their friends to box or bag up the donations according to gender and age.
Delivering joy
Coordinate delivery times with the charity, letting them know if you’ll need assistance with the haul. Also, ask if your child can accompany you. (For instance, access to a children’s cancer ward may be limited in order to safeguard the patients’ health.)
If not, inquire as to whether someone on staff can email you photos of the kids and their new toys. Nothing says “thank you” quite like a giant smile!