Where to donate gently-used toys
in the Rochester, NY area

In the midst one of my annual August Organization Frenzies, I realized that we had a lot of nice toys that my girls are no longer using, but which could certainly be enjoyed by other kids. So I checked with the parents and caregivers on the KidsOutAndAbout.com announcement list (click here to sign up to be on this list, which also receives the calendar every Friday) to see where in the area there are organizations that accept donated toys, and this list is the result! I'll keep adding to it, so click here to email us if you have any other suggestions.

By the way, here's a neat hint for organizing a friend told me: When organizing toys, try to get a big opaque plastic bin into which you put the toys that you'd LIKE to get rid of, but which you're not positive that the kids won't miss (no one wants to be in a position of having inadvertently donated a favorite possession). Put that bin somewhere not too accessible, and wait a couple of months before donating the toys.

And what about those small "happy meal" type plastic toys, which you're so tempted just to toss? KOA reader Diane Koska saves these up to give to teachers at school, who often need them for "prizes." Great idea!

And one final thought before the list: A reader suggested that family housing dormitories at some of the local colleges and universities may welcome donations as well.

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