Helping Children in Need: 6 Items to Donate to Children’s Charities

The following information reviews some of the items that charities welcome – items that children need and enjoy using. If you’re doing some spring house cleaning or shopping at a dollar store, keep the following donations in mind.

You can also get an idea of what to donate by reviewing the Bags in Bulk website. The platform features backpacks, toys, duffel bags, drawstring bags, hygiene kits, outdoor wear, socks, flip flops, and school supplies.

Reviewing Children’s Charities

When you donate to children’s charities, it helps to review the various non-profits and review their programs. That will give you a better idea about where to direct your contributions. 

Community Program for Children

For example, local charities like the Boys & Girls Club offer neighborhood programs that give kids a place to hang out after school. 

This charity covers areas such as alcohol and drug prevention, athletics, environmental concerns, the arts, and careers. Therefore, you might want to donate items such as crayons, paints, or craft supplies or might donate athletic equipment and gear. Donations of basketballs, baseball bats and balls, or similar contributions might be included in your contributions.

Taking Care of Children in Crisis Situations

Did you know that around 300,000 children, abused or abandoned, end up in foster care or crisis centers annually? In these cases, children’s charities may provide kids with the items they need to settle into a new living environment. Some of these donations include toys, toiletries, stuffed animals, blankets, and clothing. 

Toys for Tots

One well-known children’s charity is Toys for Tots. This charity, backed by the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve, receives donations annually from October to December. Volunteers in US communities collect toys and distribute them for Christmas to local children in need. 

The organization was founded in 1947. During that time, members of the U.S. Marine Reserve received and gave around 5,000 toys to needy children in LA.

Reviewing children’s charities online and looking closer at their programs will give you a better idea of what to donate and how the items will be used. 

Making a Donation Decision: Questions to Ask and Answer

When choosing a children’s charity, you need to answer two key questions:

• What charities would you like to support?
• What would you like to donate?

In essence, you’re answering one main question – What kind of impact do you wish to make? For example, besides donating toys and other items, do you want to expand on your role? What you donate and how you contribute depends on the resources, time and skills you might offer or possess. 

Just remember – If you can only make a limited commitment, you still can make a viable difference. Even a small donation is significant.

So, if you plan to make donations, you’ll want to review the items below. Doing so will inspire you to make a list of what you can contribute to a favorite children’s charity. In fact, you might make it a practice to make regular donations bi-weekly, monthly or semi-annually. Doing so is good for both the heart and soul.

Popular Items to Give to Children’s Charities

Make a checklist of the items you want to gather or buy for a favorite children’s charity. The following list will set you off on the right foot.

1. Toys and Fun Kid-Friendly Games

Charities always welcome toys and fun kid-friendly games at their donation centers. Toys don’t have to be fancy or expensive. They can offer hours of entertainment and be simply made. For example, some of the popular toys and games include:

• Classic card games, such as Old Maid or Go Fish, which you can pick up at a dollar store
• Dream castles
• Dolls
• Tea sets
• Water blasters
• Pretend cooking sets
• Whistles
• Checker games
• Bingo games
• Jump ropes

Again, you can buy card games for $1.00 each and pay only $10.00 for ten of the games. You might also find read-to books that are still in good condition in your home or at a thrift store. Forgotten items, such as Lego sets, Matchbox cars, and board games like Parchesi or Sorry, all are well-received by children’s charities.

2. Outdoor Wear and Accessories

Children’s charities can also use outdoor wear and accessories in the form of the following:

• Coats
• Rain ponchos and rainwear
• Knit gloves and mittens
• Sweaters
• Coats
• Knit caps and hats
• Knitted scarves
• Tents (for camping)
• Tarps
• Fleece or wool blankets
• Foot warmers
• Socks

Giving these times are well-appreciated during the drizzly months of early spring and on snow-covered and chilly days. 

3. Toiletries and Related Supplies

Your donations to children’s charities might also include toiletries in the form of the following:

• Children’s toothbrush
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Shampoo 
• Facial and deodorant bar soaps
• Hand wipes

In addition, you might include backpacks for the above supplies. You can buy toothbrushes and toothpaste in travel sizes or at bulk reduced rates online.

4.  Supplies for School

What kid doesn’t need school supplies? You can donate supplies in the form of the following:

• Ballpoint ink pens in red, blue, or black
• Colored pencils
• Two-pocket organizer folders
• Composition notebooks
• Spiral notebooks (one subject)
• Blunt tip safety scissors for both right-handed and left-handed users
• Canvas pencil cases
• Dry erase boards and markers
• Number 2 pencils
• 12-inch rulers inches and centimeters
• Small domed manual pencil sharpeners
• Highlighters
• Earbuds
• Pink erasers

5. Backpacks and Duffle Bags

To hold school supplies and clothes, your donation of backpacks and duffle bags also make good donations. Donate clear backpacks or kid-friendly backpacks with stripe details, sports logos, zippers and pockets as part of their design. 

6. Lunch Bags and Coolers

Lunch bags and coolers allow kids to carry their lunch to school or keep beverages cool and drinkable. The bags come in various patterns and colors so what you donate can cover a wide range of likes and preferences.

Gather Your Donations Today

Your time is never wasted when you give to a children’s charity. Your gifts will ensure that a child can sleep better at night, take part in fun activities, and enjoy an enhanced quality of life.

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