How to Start a Trash to Treasure Club

It's hard to imagine some children doing without toys when so many kids routinely toss them out as new ones arrive. That's why many communities have formed Trash to Treasure clubs to help provide toys to underprivileged little ones by refurbishing well-loved children's items from generous families. Without too much cost, a local club can thrive in your town.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine your goals. For example, consider if you want to provide toys for children only at Christmastime or would you like your club to provide gifts all year long and what ages you plan to serve. Write down your plans and be realistic. As you find more support, you can think bigger.

2. Ask the local media to run a story about your new club. Most newspapers will graciously run your idea in their human-interest section. Make sure you give them the information for volunteers to contact you.

3. Plan an initial meeting of interested parties to see what kind of involvement you have to work with. Detail your goals at the meeting and ask for input. Be open-minded. You need all the willing hands you can get.

4. Find a place to set up your workshop. A Trash to Treasure club will need an area large enough to store all the donated toys plus the supplies to restore them. Ask local businesses if they can host your club in a spare room or contact a church. Since your goal is charitable, more businesses are likely to offer assistance.

5. Create a flyer to post in grocery stores, churches and other public places asking for donations of toys and supplies. You will need money, too, to purchase fabric, glue, paint and other materials needed in restoring the toys.

6. Designate at least 1 night a week for club members to gather and work on restoring the toys. When done together, everyone shares in fellowship and the joy of donating time and talent to providing toys to children who otherwise would go without. Plan to see your group grow quickly.