Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Seventh Generation (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Donating Used Toys and Books Made Easy

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


Every few months, my daughter Chloe and I go through her toy box and book shelf to purge things she’s outgrown or doesn’t play with. I hope to instill in her the importance of giving (and also encourage her not to hoard stuff). The trouble? Not only does Chloe occasionally beg to keep certain toys for which she’s suddenly sentimental, but I’ve also discovered that donating used kids toys is surprisingly difficult. A lot of places just won’t take them.

First, I tried calling the children’s hospital where Chloe is a patient in the spina bifida clinic. But because of infection control concerns, the hospital will only accept donations of new toys that are still in the packages. Next, I tried to donate the toys to a local women and children’s shelter, but no luck there, either. They need things like pillows and toothbrushes for residents, and have no room for old toys. What about the Salvation Army? Nope. It only takes clothing, furniture, and household items.

It took me a while, but I’ve finally found a few places that will accept toy and book donations. None of these places will accept stuffed animals (too germy), but they’ll happily take plastic toys that can be cleaned with a disinfecting solution, as well as used books.

Libraries: Our local library is thrilled to take any toys and books that we want to donate. There’s a play space in the children’s room where kids can play with toys (most of which seem to be donated), and librarians are happy to give used books a new home on their shelves. The librarians also told me that good-condition board books are especially desirable, since they so often fall apart (or, are chewed apart!) by overuse. And a bonus: Chloe gets to “visit” her old toys when we play at the library.

Therapy centers: Chloe has gotten physical therapy at both Easter Seals and a private, outpatient center, and both facilities gladly take donations of all kinds. Anything that makes therapy seem more like play time is greatly appreciated, both by the staff and the kids.

Schools, churches, the gym, your hairdresser: Privately run preschools often operate on a shoestring, so any donations, especially books, will help. The same goes for churches, many of which have dedicated spaces where kids play during religious services. Finally, if a local gym or hair salon offers on-site childcare, they might appreciate a few extra toys to keep the kids occupied.

Editor’s note:  Secondhand stuffed toys may be too germy for human children, but pet shelters often welcome them for their canine kids. 

What do you do with the toys, books and games your children no longer use?

2013-05-01 12:50:38

Source: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/blog/donating-used-toys-and-books-made-easy


Source:


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.