Where to Donate Toys: 9 Organizations That Accept Toys

If your house is anything like mine, you’re drowning in toys. There are LEGOs under the sofa, abandoned dolls in the playroom, and puzzles with half the pieces missing scattered across the floor. It feels good to clear out the clutter, but it feels even better knowing those toys could go to a kid who will actually play with them.

But finding the right place for charity toy donations can be tricky. Some places only want new stuff, others have specific needs, and some are just hard to find. I’ve spent years sorting through my kids’ outgrown toys, and I’ve figured out where they can do the most good.

 

 

National Organizations You Already Know

These are the big, easy options. You probably have one within a 15-minute drive. They’re my go-to for large, mixed-bag donations when I just need to get the stuff out of my house.

 

 

Goodwill & The Salvation Army

This is the easiest drop-off, hands down. They take almost anything, from board games to action figures to ride-on toys. I’ve never had them turn away a donation as long as it wasn’t outright broken or hazardous.

Just know that these toys are sold in their thrift stores, not given directly to children for free. The money raised funds their community programs, which is great, but it’s a different model than a direct toy charity.

 

 

Toys for Tots

Run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, this is a holiday season powerhouse. If you’re decluttering before the end of the year, it’s a fantastic choice. You’ve probably seen their donation bins at stores and local businesses.

The most important thing to remember: they only accept new, unwrapped toys. This is non-negotiable. Their collection drives typically run from October through December, so you can’t drop off your spring-cleaning haul in May.

 

 

Organizations That Get Toys to Kids in Need

If you want to make sure your toys go directly into the hands of a child, these organizations are some of the best. They often have more specific requirements, but the impact feels very direct.

 

 

Ronald McDonald House Charities

This organization is incredible. They provide housing and support for families with sick children receiving medical care far from home. I always check their website first.

Because many of these kids have weakened immune systems, they almost always require brand-new toys still in their original packaging. Check your local chapter’s online wish list; they’ll tell you exactly what they need, from video games for teens to baby toys.

 

 

Local Shelters and Children’s Homes

This is my personal favorite way to donate. I look for local domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, or family service centers in my area. Kids in these situations often leave home with nothing, and a gently used toy can be a huge comfort.

You can’t just show up. A quick search for “family shelter toy donations near me” will give you a list. Always call first to ask what they need and when you can drop it off. Sometimes they’re desperate for toys for older kids, not just toddlers.

 

 

Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons serves children from birth to age 12 who are homeless or in low-income situations. They collect new and nearly-new items and distribute them through their network of social service agencies.

They have pretty high standards for “gently used,” which I appreciate. They want toys that a child would be proud to own. Currently, they have locations near Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City, so check their site to see if you’re near a drop-off point.

 

 

For Specific Types of Toys

Got a mountain of one specific thing? There might be a specialty charity that’s perfect for your donation.

 

 

Second Chance Toys

This group has a clear mission: keep plastic toys out of landfills. If you have a pile of plastic play kitchens, cars, or building blocks, this is the place for them. My son’s giant collection of plastic dinosaurs went here last year.

They only take plastic toys that are clean and have all their parts. No stuffed animals, no batteries, no broken bits. They typically organize collections around Earth Day and the holidays, so check their website for an event near you.

 

 

Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE)

SAFE is a wonderful charity that gets stuffed animals to children during traumatic situations. First responders often give them to kids after a fire, car accident, or other emergency.

As you can imagine, they are very strict about condition. They only accept stuffed animals that are new or look new. I check for any stains, tears, or weird smells before even considering donating here.

 

 

Local Hospitals and Doctor’s Offices

Many pediatric wards or local pediatrician’s offices need toys for their waiting rooms or for patients. It’s an often-overlooked toy donation center.

Like Ronald McDonald House, they almost always need new-in-box toys due to infection control protocols. Call the hospital’s child life department to see what their current needs are.

 

 

What to Know Before You Donate

A little bit of prep work makes a huge difference. Donating your junk just creates a bigger job for the volunteers at these toy charity organizations. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t give it to a friend’s child, don’t donate it.

Please, clean the toys. I run plastic toys through the dishwasher on the top rack or give them a good scrub with soap and water. A disinfectant wipe works in a pinch. For stuffed animals, a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag does the trick.

Check for all the pieces. There is nothing more frustrating than a board game without instructions or a puzzle with a missing piece. If you have a set, put all the pieces in a Ziploc bag and tape it securely to the box or main toy.

And my most important tip: call ahead. Seriously. Don’t just show up with three trash bags full of toys. An organization’s needs change weekly. A quick phone call ensures your donation is wanted and can be put to good use right away.