Where to take our old toys?

[filmgirlgail]

Hi

I'm looking for a charity or somewhere I can give my children's toys to. I'd rather give them to someone who will use them rather than put them in a op shop or something. Is there a shelter or something like the Smith family house where I could take them to be used?

Thanks

[Roxy]

Have a look in your Yellow Pages for Women's Shelters.

They are almost always underfunded, and the money that they do get is spent on things other than toys for the children who accompany their mothers.

In Canberra, there is also a Family Access Visit Centre (where supervised access visits and mediated access handover occur) that also really appreciate toys that are in good condition. Perhaps there is something like that near you as well?

[Nic71]

I used to give DD's old toys to playgroups and daycare centres (YMCA as it's non profit) ..... as well as Lifeline.

[Cheeky Little Monkey]

I think donating to a woman's shelter is a fantastic idea. Often the woman and children leave the family home with nothing but the clothes on their back so some toys would surely be appreciated.

[twinsandbaby]

:yelclap::yelclap::yelclap:

Fostercare is in need of toys all the time. Alot of children leave homes quickly and are often placed in homes with non age appropriate toys etc.
Contact your local fostercare agencies in the yellow pages

Here in the Eastern Subs Anglicare are at knox shopping center, near jb
cheers Nanette(foster carer)

[Coffee]

Sounds good, I will do that with our old toys as well.

Would they also take Plush animals? (not sure, if that's the correct word)

I guess, there will be one in the Norhtern Suburbs as well, won't there?

[Miaow]

There was an article a while ago how hospitals are using toys to help with children having treatment Here (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=86676) - Maybe some hospitals would love the toys also?

[Sodor]

All the above suggestions are great and i have always noticed that public childrens hospitals are always asking for donated toys to amuse the masses in the waiting rooms. Last time i was at the Mater childrens they had a sign up about it. Good on you for wanting to donate your old toys.:thumbsup:

[filmgirlgail]

Thanks for all these suggestions everyone. I will start looking into it. DS will soon be 1 and walking so quite a few of the baby toys can go then and I'd rather help someone directly like that instead of giving them to op shops to raise money. I don't know why, just with the toys I'd like to give them to children who' appreciate them.

[ImSethsMum]

Id take them to the local hospital, we had our little guy there on Friday night and the toys that are there are few and far between and rather old and tattered and most hospitals are the same. Im going through our old stuff and books too, and taking a bag to our hospy next week.
Cheers
Kel

[BJelly]

Thanks for the great idea - I just forwarded this idea to all my friends with kids - it's such a simple, easy way to do something nice for kids.

[s050399b]

Check out Freecycle:
http://searchenginez.com.au/freecycle.html

[robinson]

If you were in Melbourne I was going to suggest Tweddles Sleep School.. they have little funding and would be very grateful for any toys and or books..

[filmgirlgail]

Thanks for all teh suggestions. I have contacted an organisation called Ozcare which has women's shelters and refuges and have offered them my toys and clothing. I'm just waiting to hear back from them.

[filmgirlgail]

They called me today and they're very happy to take those to one of their refuges:yelclap:. I'm very glad about it as I do think toys should, if possible, be passed directly onto children IYKWIM.

[mumstar]

why don't you even check out doctors surgery's. they usually love new toys for the waiting rooms or doctors rooms... failing that... anywhere really that has a waiting room might be appreciative to.

[zera06]

if you havent already found a place. I go to a very poor playgroup and its quite sad the toys they have and there is not alot. I have also recently donated toys to my play group.

But i think they would be more then happy to get some more.

[popetsmum]

these are all very good ideas and i will keep this in mind when i am in this situation to pass on toys.:)

[schumi]

maybe you needn't give them to others,you can keep some of them for future,then you and your kids can get something remembered..:no: