DONATE TOYS. BOOKS & GAMES

It's sad to think that there are millions of needy children in North America, who live in low-income families.

These children often have to go without toys, since their parents are challenged to provide even the basics of life, such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.

When you donate toys to needy or sick children, you provide inspiration and a glimmer of hope.

Play is essential for children to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives. A childhood without toys to help express creativity and learn skills, is a tragic thing. All children need at least simple toys like balls, blocks, costumes and crayons. But not all children get these treasures, that children of other families take for granted.

Giving a toy to a child in need, can change the world for the better! This is not being dramatic. When you donate a toy to a needy child, you provide a positive outlet for the child's energy and creativity, and give that child some much-needed hope. It's proven that older children without toys are more likely to be involved in fighting or other negative behaviors. On the other hand, when a neglected child receives a game or toy donation, he or she can develop necessary social skills, such as sharing.

Needy children with chronic health conditions are at especially high risk. Days spent in hospitals and clinics can be long and lonely. Often, the environment is sterile and bleak. Tests and sometimes painful treatments occupy their days. Your donation of art supplies, stuffed animals or board games can brighten an impersonal room or provide entertainment.

With just a simple toy, you can make a gigantic difference in the life of a needy or sick child!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

Toys, stuffed animals and games for donation should be clean and in good condition. If it's a game, make sure all the necessary parts are included.

DURING THE WINTER-HOLIDAY SEASON:

Donate new or gently-used toys during the holiday season to the Salvation Army or Toys for Tots. (U.S. only)

Drop off new or gently-used toys, books and games at your local Goodwill location. (U.S., Canada, and International).

Give to My Two Front Teeth. This is a non-profit organization that provides donated toys to underprivileged children in daycare, preschools and community agencies. You can sign up with them to receive an email notification prior to the next holiday season. You can browse profiles of the eligible children on their website, then choose a child to sponsor, then purchase and donate toys online (using a credit card) via My Two Front Teeth. The cost of a toy is generally $20-30, the organization will take care of the purchasing and wrapping, and ensures that each child receives their gift in time for the holidays.

ALL-YEAR-ROUND:

Donate brand-new (unopened) toys, books and games to your local Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since the 1970s, more than 10 million families around the world have benefited from the comfort provided by a Ronald McDonald House. Use the link above to find the closest location to you, and contact them to arrange donations or to ask about specific items in need. (U.S., Canada and International)

Drop off used toys at a social service agency or homeless shelter near your home. Check your phone book Yellow Pages under "Social (or Human) Service Organizations."

Does your family own used board games that it no longer wants/needs? Donate them to a local children's hospital. Check your phone book or Yellow Pages under "Hospitals."

Artists Helping Children makes available toys and art supplies to children who are abused, sick or neglected. The organization provides a list of toy donation suggestions and information about where to send items. Their website also provides lists of Children's Hospitals and Homeless / Food / Clothing Shelters (check the right-hand menu on their site).