Does anyone know how I can find where we can donate some presents to needy children? We don't want to necessarily do it through the mail. If that's the only way, then that is ok. At least the kids get the presents. I know some churches also do giving trees, but from what I remember as a kid, those were for a specific child of a specific age. We already have the toys, some are used and some are brand new still in their boxes. Also, Jr expressed that, on top of the toys, he wanted to bring these kids food and his old clothes for Christmas. To express that at 3 I think is wonderful! So I was hoping to maybe find a place where we could all go together and give in person. Any suggestions on either where to go, or how to find somewhere?
We donate monthly, sometimes more than once a month to the salvation army. We are looking more for some kind of in person type of donation. Or at least something so Jr knows where its going, and its not something he's used to doing. He has his heart set on giving the stuff to a kid, which I know we won't find that...but something like it, where he can see the place the stuff is going.
I guess..do homeless shelters allow you to at least come in and give it to the director? And also, we already have the toys, a lot of them are birthday presents that we decided not to keep and even though we could have just returned them for money i thought it would be nicer to give them away than keep the money for ourselves. So finding a place that tells you what is on a list kinda limits it. I dont know if what we're looking to do even exists.
You can go on Freecycle.org and post what you have. Just specify you want them to go to a needy family. :)
Toys for Tots. You can go on line and find drop off places near your home. But hurry, I think tomorrow is the last day they take drop off gifts.
Find an Adopt A Family program. Tell them you can't "adopt" the family but have some items that can be used for some of the families.
Another option is to check w/ a local homeless shelter or children's home and see if they have any children there that could benefit from your donations.
You could also check with Salvation Army. They take used items to sell or distribute.
Call around to different churches and fax them a list of what you have. Many keep lists of families who need to be "adopted" for the holidays. You could do food for a family and then donate the "items" to Toys for Tots or another established charity.
Call the local elementary schools and ask for the school social worker or the guidance counselor. Explain what you have- they have lists too!
I just saw an article about the U.S. Postal Service doing a charity drive for kids who have written Santa this year -particularly asking for basic needs like clothing, food, etc. Not every state is doing it, but evidently you can search USA Today for postal locations and states that are doing it.
Contact any local women's shelters or homeless shelters in your area -I guarantee they can use clothes, food, toys -all of it!
We bring our toys to a local radio station each year when they do their toy drive. My husband and I have always loved the Toys for Tots organization run by the Marine Corps. I believe Toys R Us and Best Buy have collection bins for them. I'm sure if you google Toys for Tots you can find a local place to drop off your toys.
Isn't it wonderful when your children are aware and want to give???
Thank you - your post made my day!
Check out local Salvation Army programs, Boys and Girl Brigade, and schools and churches for a recommendation for a family in need.
Call your local shelters or the Red Cross the United Way do you not have Salvation Army in your area they are the ones who help families & who want to adopt them can & get what is on their list for the kids & adults.There are several drop off site locations for Toys for Tots that go to needy children Toys R Us,Dollar Tree,Dollar General
