Now that the holidays are over and the season of abundance is behind us, it’s time to purge the old to make room for the new. As the kiddos raked in tons of new toys, their old toys are soon to be forgotten. There are many children and families in need who would greatly appreciate your gently used toys. We have put together a list of local non-profit organizations where you can donate toys:
Denver Children’s Home: prevention, intervention, and treatment programs for the region’s abused, neglected and traumatized children and their families.
Denver Children’s Advocacy Center: prevent abuse, strengthen families, restore childhood.
WeeCycle: helping new & gently used baby gear find another home.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: offering critical assistance to over 15, 000 individuals and families each year.
Goodwill: seeks to reverse the cycle of poverty for at-risk youth, struggling families and individuals with disabilities.
Salvation Army: provide assistance to people with a variety of social and spiritual afflictions.
arc Thrift Stores: one of the largest integrated employers of people with disabilities in Colorado.
Donation Town: free toy donation pick up service.
Mango House: Services for former refugees.
Boys & Girls Clubs: provides members with low or no-cost opportunities to participate in fun and educationally enriching activities after school, during the school day, and all summer long.
The Gathering Place: offers services to combat poverty and address the impacts of marginalization and oppression that are often contributing factors to poverty or homelessness. Accepts clothing, seasonal items, baby items, and hygiene items.
Denver Rescue Mission: helps restore the lives of people experiencing homelessness and addiction through emergency services, rehabilitation, transitional programs, and community outreach. Accepts furniture, household and kitchen items, and some appliances.
Dress for Success Denver: provides at-risk women with job readiness tools, professional attire and post-employment support to assist them in their efforts to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Accepts business professional clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore: builds and sells homes to hardworking people in need of decent and affordable housing. Accepts large furniture, household items, appliances, and tools.
A Precious Child: provides children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. Accepts children’s clothing, toys, children’s books, strollers, and bikes.
Children’s Hospital Colorado: improves the health of children through the provision of high-quality coordinated programs of patient care, education, research and advocacy. Accepts new toys, books, stuffed animals, craft materials and other gifts throughout the year, not just during the holidays. They keep them in playrooms throughout the hospital to help children and families feel at home.
Toys for Tots: collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
Volunteers of America: provides a variety of services to those who are struggling with homelessness, addiction, mental illness, and more. They also offer a variety of programs aimed at helping people get back on their feet and leading fulfilling lives. If you would like to donate toys to Volunteers of America, click here.
If you’re looking to clear out some space in your home and help those in need this year, donate your kids’ gently used toys to one of the local organizations listed above. Donating to those in need is a great way to show your holiday spirit all year round! You’ll be making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community who are facing difficult challenges.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2014. Updated July 2022.
Want more great content from The Mother List? Sign up here!
Sarah Friedman
March 12, 2018 @ 12:14 pm
I’m the Development Director for Denver Children’s Home. We only accept brand new toys. Thanks for thinking of us.
Susan Brown
June 22, 2019 @ 12:30 pm
I have about 30 collector dolls never been out of their boxes. I would like to donate them . Hope you are interested
Shane Flores
June 28, 2018 @ 5:15 am
I live in Colorado springs and will be PCSing to Georgia. I would like to donate out toys and baby cloths to a spit that can really use them. I have donated before only to see it sold in the place I donated to. Please let me know.
Deyne
January 17, 2022 @ 2:25 pm
I have about 30 stuffed mooses that I have received over the years as Christmas gifts and only bring them out during that season. I would like to donate them and was wondering if you would be interested in them?