No matter how many toys we get rid of, our house still feels overrun! I am constantly trying to sneak old toys out of the house faster than the new ones come in!
Here are a few ideas of where you can donate your used toys, books, games, etc. Create space in your home, give your belongings a new purpose, and do some good simultaneously!
Local Facebook Share Groups
Facebook share groups have become my go-to source for offloading used items. Once my twins outgrow a toy, I know there’s another family nearby with younger kids who would love it! The group I use in Fairfield is titled “Fairfield Shares.” Each local town has something similar!
Preschools and Daycares
My husband works for a local preschool, so we are always donating items there. Check with your child’s school to see if they need any specific items and what donations they will accept. For instance, some schools try to limit the number of plastic toys.
Charitable Organizations
Many local charitable organizations take gently used toys. Below are some places you can reach out to.
Goodwill
1700 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880
(203) 259-3943
We often donate to Goodwill simply because it’s quick, easy, and they take almost anything. Locations are conveniently located in Bridgeport, Westport, Norwalk, Stamford & more. Here is a full list of what Goodwill accepts.
DOMUS
83 Lockwood Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 324-4277 – [email protected]
DOMUS serves more than 1100 struggling youth in Stamford and New Haven, offering educational, community, and residential services. They need markers, paint, sports equipment, gaming systems, games, and much more. View the complete wish list.
Family & Children’s Aid
75 West Street, Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 748-5689 – [email protected]
Family & Children’s Aid offers mental healthcare to children and their families in Central and Western Connecticut. Their Fairfield County locations include Danbury, Bridgeport, and Shelton. They accept used toy and clothing donations through Once Upon A Time Consignment Shop in Danbury. Click for more info.
The Yale Toy Closet (New Only)
20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 688-5717
A hospital stay can be a scary experience for any child. This program provides each patient with a small toy upon discharge. Although the items must be new and unwrapped, this is a great option for duplicates of birthday gifts you know your child can part with! Here is more info.
A few friendly reminders: Please only donate items that are in very good-to-great condition. Also, please only donate items that each organization is in need of. If you are unsure about any items, then it’s best to contact each organization for more information about what they are and are not able to accept.
Good suggestions for donating used toys. It’s much better than just throwing them away. Thanks so much for sharing!
[…] making room in your closets helps manage clutter later on. There are many organizations that will take your gently used toys, coats, boots, and clothing for families in need. Clearing out […]