Toys for Tots (or similar organizations)

weffey · 6 months

Also, there's Child's Play which lets you buys toys, games, books, etc for children's hospitals. For anyone who had a stay in a hospital as a child (or as a parent) be it a short stay or a extended, will know a movie or game will help pass the time and allow a certain level of mental escape.

Vestrati · 6 months

I would advise against giving toys to the Salvation Army - they have been known to throw away any toys they feel are at odds with their christian values (such terrible things as Harry Potter...). Find another charity to bring them to.

DevilPliers · 6 months

Toys for tots is awesome.. when I was a kid we went there for christmas presents, doubt we would of had any without them. One thing that's kinda sad about the place though.. is they actually serve all kids 0-18. Every year I donate a gift for someone 12+ as the toddlers really have a ton of gifts.. but being a poor teenager just sucks. Usually the teenagers are the ones stuck getting the gifts with their parents, so the only cool part left about christmas is trying to find a gift meant for someone your age. Neat board games (like munchkins), books for teens, pj pants.. those are my favorite things to give them.

Peity · 6 months

I agree with your idea! It's something I do most years. I enjoy trying to pick out a great toy for a kid that'll be fun for a long time to come. Lego? Building blocks? Play doh toys? Crafting or art supplies? Oh yeah. It's just as much fun. :) And I'm not loaded with money, but with my frugality I have plenty to buy gifts for people who'd really benefit from them. I think I spend just as much on charity at Christmas as I do on gifts for family and friends (a few hundred or so).

[deleted] · 6 months

We do toys, books, and usually a coat or two every year.

I really want to do an iPod+iTunes gift card or something along those lines this year if I can afford it, because I think they probably get a lot of toys donated for younger kids, but then there are teens/pre-teens that maybe get left out or get something that isn't really age-appropriate. I may not be able to, though, because I think I'll have to take some time off of work in December for surgery.

OGLothar · 6 months

We used to have a motorcyle event called Toys for Tots. it happened around Christmas. One year I was pretty broke and ended up only being able to contribute an old sock monkey. I was so ashamed that I basically launched it into the back of the truck from the rear of the crowd so no one would see who contributed such a fine toy.

Afterwards I realized that some kid probably really liked that monkey.

Every little bit helps.

geak78 · 6 months

I'd like to plug Samaritan's Purse

Even if you don't believe in there evangelical aspect, you can't deny that you can make a child's day, month, or year with a small shoe box of gifts.

alphaboo · 6 months

Excellent suggestion! I have always done the change jar thing where I throw my change in through the year and then use that money to buy gifts for Toys for Tots and giving trees.

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