Ahhh, I am sure now, that some of you are looking into your kids' toy boxes, and realizing how over full they are.
If you aren't today, you will within the next coming weeks. I have some suggestions:
Go through the 'old' toys, if your kids are old enough, have them do it.
Pick out unbroken toys that still work. Clean them up/sanitize them if need be.
Donate them.
There are so many places that can use them:
- Daycares/Preschools that are funded by the government (Headstarts/etc)
- Maybe Children's wards in your local hospital (may want to call ahead of time to check the policy)
- Homeless shelters/Domestic Violence Shelters/etc
- Board games/books are always needed in the elementary classrooms
- Board games/card games can also be donated to Nursing Homes
- The family down the street that looks like they could use them
- Goodwill/Salvation Army/etc (not only will a family benefit being able to buy the toy at a decent price, but the organization benefits many ways too)
- Stuffed animals (though you would need to throw them in the washing machine) can be used by the Fire/Police/Ambulance department - they give them to kids during scary times and it comforts the children
- Children's Blankets could go to any of the places suggested
These are just a few suggestions. I know in the next coming months the homeless shelters and such will see a HUGE decrease in donations.
And remember, if you are donating to a shelter, I am sure they would love any non-perishable food items that you may have in your home that you have an abundance of.
Merry Christmas all!
Done with my 'service announcement'
