Where to Donate #StuffedAnimals, #ActionFigures, and Other #Toys

Instead of tossing your kids' old playthings, donate gently used items to one of these organizations.

By Jasmine Suarez and Blythe Copeland
Updated on February 11, 2026

"If you find yourself overrun by stuffed animals, outgrown toys, never-opened games, and like-new books, it's time to donate items to a charity. And in most cases, it's easy to find a great home for your gently used items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate items that need repair?

Some organizations can take goods in any condition and repair or clean as needed; others require only items in like-new condition. Repair stuffed animals before donating them, make sure toys and puzzles have all their pieces, and clean plastic toys when possible.

How do I wash stuffed animals before donating them?

Most stuffed animals can be washed in the washing machine; put them in a pillowcase or delicates bag for extra protection. If the label dictates hand washing, remove the stuffing before washing the outside of the stuffed animal.

How do I wash plastic toys?

Most small plastic toys (including loose Legos) can be washed in the washing machine or dishwasher; larger items can be wiped with disinfecting wipes or washed with warm water and a gentle soap.

What’s the best way to donate stuffed animals if I don’t have a local drop-off spot?

If you haven't had any luck contacting local organizations about donations, consider calling 211, a national number dedicated to essential community services. They can connect you with social service organizations to ask about specific donations. This service is run by United Way in most regions, in collaboration with local nonprofits and other public agencies."

Learn more:
https://www.marthastewart.com/8117000/where-to-donate-toys

#SolarPunkSunday #ToySharing #DonatingUsedToys #CircularEconomy #CircularToyEconomy #ToysForTots #CradlesToCrayons #GreenDrop #DonationTown #SAFE #StuffAnimalsForEmergencies

「Research organisation #GoodGovernanceAfrica has published its latest analysis of the best and worst-performing #municipalities for 2024 – and the results throw up an interesting fact: #coalitions don’t necessarily result in catastrophe.
In no fewer than 10 of the 20 best-performing municipalities, no single party had an outright majority.

[…]

But the number of successful #coalition administrations is surprising, considering the awful mess that the #Gauteng municipalities have got themselves into with their attempts.
Desai has some interesting ideas about the differences between municipalities that have performed well under coalitions and those that have not, but the results are important considering the possibility – or perhaps likelihood – that SA’s next national government may be a coalition.
It’s crucial to be aware that these results are not survey-based; they are drawn from as many factual sources as Good Governance Africa could dig up.
The organisation generates what it describes as a Governance Performance Index for each #municipality, including the metros, based on publicly available assessments. These include reports by the #AuditorGeneral, National Treasury, the Department of Water and Sanitation’s #BlueDrop, #GreenDrop and No Drop reports, and research measuring residents’ satisfaction with their municipality. 」

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-04-02-after-the-bell-municipal-performance-study-suggests-some-coalitions-do-work/

#SouthAfrica #Governance