Instructions
Host a toy exchange. Invite your neighbors, relatives and friends to your home or other designated location, and encourage them to bring their gently used toys to swap with other guests.
Donate the toys to local children's hospitals or a battered woman's shelter. Children and families may feel a sense of comfort in having a teddy bear or other toy to make them smile, as they battle illnesses and life-altering experiences.
Place new, unopened toys into donation bins at local retail stores, outlet malls or grocery stores. Throughout the holiday seasons, many agencies collect new, unopened toys in these locations for needy children and families.
Contact local churches, synagogues or other religious organizations and tell a staff member that you want to donate toys. Many religious agencies hold food and toy drives and generally welcome donations to assist their community outreach efforts. Some places also need toys for their children's ministry and nurseries.
Give the toys to charities, such as the Goodwill or Salvation Army. Before you donate the toys, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove excessive dirt or debris. If you're donating board games or toys with multiple parts, place the extra pieces into a small bag. Contact the agency for more details, as some agencies accept toys, while others do not.