The Economy and Homeless Kids: Donate Old Toys to Help

by Kim, February 25, 2009 at 10:08am

Did the State of the Union speech last night make you think even more about our precarious economy? Consider that the economic crisis is causing a rising wave of homelessness among children. These vulnerable kids need something to hold on to. As I posted earlier this week, there may be a way to help out without spending any of the money you don't have.

There are a number of children's charities accepting gently used (and new) stuffed animals--imagine cleaning out the playroom or your child's closet with all those outgrown stuffed animals. Your home gets more space, and a vulnerable child gets a little comfort. Everyone wins!

• Project Night Night is dedicated to improving emotional and cognitive wellbeing of homeless children by donating individual tote bags each filled with a security blanket, an age-appropriate book, and a stuffed animal to children (ages 0-10) in homeless shelters.


• Stuffed Animals for Emergencies SAFE collects new and gently used stuffed animals and toys to be redistributed to Police, Fire & Rescue, Ambulance Services, children's homes, Hospitals, Life Flight, and other emergency organizations.


• Mushy Mates This charity inspired by a foster son collects used stuffed animals to deliver to foster children and other needy kids.


• Animal Beacons of Light takes in new or used soft stuffed animals and gives them to children in orphanages, nursing homes, and shelters in the US and 44 countries abroad.

Letting your child choose a stuffed animal (or children's book) they're willing to part with for the benefit of another kid in need is a great way to teach the value of giving.

Toy drives don't have to occur at the holidays. Work with your office, church, or community group to do a home cleanup drive, with any usable goods donated to charity.