How to Donate Toys in New York City

Your old toys are brand new to a child in need.

Donating toys to charities in New York City can give underprivileged children something to look forward to, especially around the Christmas holidays. New and used toys are accepted as donations by a number of New York City charities. Donating toys is not only a generous act; it can provide you with the opportunity to show your own fortunate children the value of giving.

Instructions

1. Go through your kid's toys and separate the ones she wants to keep from the ones she no longer uses. Let her help you; while you go through her toys explain to her that not every child is fortunate to have the things she has and that her old toys will make another child very happy. If you are not donating used toys, take your kids shopping with you to pick out new toys for underprivileged children.

2. Clean used toys you are donating. Charities do not accept broken or dirty toys as donations. New toys should remain unopened or they will not be accepted as new toys.

3. Contact a New York City charity to ask when and where to donate. The Salvation Army, Goodwill and Toys for Tots are just a few of the charities that accept donated toys in the New York City area. Toys for Tots accepts only new toys, but the Salvation Army and Goodwill accepted used toys. Each charity has a number of drop off locations throughout the city. Toys for Tots has its own annual toy drive prior to the Christmas season with additional drop off locations; drop off locations and hours are listed on each charity's website.

4. Deliver your donated toys to the charity of your choice. Obtain a tax receipt from a charity employee if you plan on deducting the donation on your income tax return. Otherwise, obtaining a receipt is not necessary.

References

• Goodwill New York: Donation Acceptance Guidelines
• Toys for Tots: Drop off Locations
• Salvation Army: Donations
• Goodwill: New York City Locator
• Salvation Army: Greater New York