topic Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots..... in Community Chat

Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

Mominohio — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 04:32:07 GMT

or a similar local agency (here it is called Toy Time)?

I do not, for two reasons.

First, I worked in an agency and that took the applications for the local program, (as well as a food bank) and many of the people coming to apply for toys didn't need the items, and would joke about how they were ripping the system off. Many of the donated items were being stolen, and in general the integrity of the program was always compromised.

Second, the agency locally that does this is in a building that floods every couple of years, and they loose everything donated. It has happened repeatedly, and after the last time, they thought ahead far enough to put the toys on higher ground. I can't see the terrible waste that occurs over and over, and them not moving to a better location.

I do participate in a toy distribution with our local church that is much better managed, much better controlled so that distribution is fair and goes to those really in need. A long story about how it works, but it is wonderful, and lets families retain their dignity, as it isn't just a handout.

Who here donates to toy based charities this time of year, and are the programs responsible and effective?

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

AuntG — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 04:50:03 GMT

Yes, we donate to Christmas giving type programs. I do sometimes wonder about how the toys get distributed and if they are really appreciated. Can't imagine a child wanting to get Candy Land three years in a row.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

qvcfreak — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 05:16:33 GMT

I worked for the state and we gave toys to the children who were on Food Stamps, we had a lot of toys donated and several employees donated toys as well. One of the Advisors would dress as Santa and another as his helper. A lot of us would bring our own children to see Santa, but we brought a gift for our child and it was given to the helper before hand so we didn't take anything from the needy children. How sad that people could take if they don't need it. And then to laugh about it.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

Lucky Charm — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 05:31:55 GMT

I have in the past through the Marines and also participating in poker runs.

Starting 2015, my donations are going to children's medical needs, power company assistance, food banks and veterans.

Toys are not that important to a hungry, cold, sick child.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

feline groovy — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 06:12:13 GMT

On 12/9/2014 Lucky charm said:
I have in the past through the Marines and also participating in poker runs.

Starting 2015, my donations are going to children's medical needs, power company assistance, food banks and veterans.

Toys are not that important to a hungry, cold, sick child.

Not necessarily, as their lives are all about basic needs. And receiving a "want" makes them feel extra special.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

hsawaknow — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 06:22:25 GMT

I worked at a company that had a 'giving wall' as not to offened any one by having a xmas tree. The whole idea is a Christmas Toy. Some are offended by a tree but had no problem taking a toy. Thats when I chose not to donate a toy but keep giving to the Food Pantrys.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

gidgetgh — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 07:17:20 GMT

I donate to Toys for Tots and Empty Stocking Fund every year. It's makes MY Christmas every year to shop for the toys.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

Shorty2U — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 07:41:49 GMT

No we do not. We donate toys to CHOP (Children's hospital of Philadelphia) each year @ Christmas time through my husband job. We also give to the Salvation Army and the local food banks year round, as well as other charities (for people and animals).

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

RedTop — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:00:33 GMT

We donate to Toys for Tots each year through the local Marine Corp League, as my husband volunteered with them before his health conditions worsened. We also support Salvation Army, Union Mission, the annual Christmas party organized through our local paper, various drives through my daughter's school, and to Volunteer services at our local VA.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

Chrystaltree2 — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:15:52 GMT

I did for many years but now I donate gifts to our church's senior citizen ministry.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

pretty pitty — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:35:24 GMT

We used to. My cousins friend use to take her kids for the toys but she said people were bringing their kids who were not even entitled to these toys. They were driving up in Cadillacs, Lincolns. You get the picture. They would brag about their kids getting the good stuff. Just horrible so I quit giving.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

vermint — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:48:00 GMT

We've done Toys for Tots in the past, also donated toys & other things to our local Ronald McDonald House. But a few years ago, my church started doing an Angel Tree, so we usually pick a child from that. The last two years, however, someone in our Sunday School class has had difficulty providing Christmas for their children (long, very sad stories). That's where our $'s have gone.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

mousiegirl — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:03:50 GMT

I donate though my fire station every year. One year, through DD's school system, we went to a gym and wrapped presents. There were bags of toys specifically for each family requesting assistance, so apparently lists had been provided of what that family wanted for their children.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

shoptilyadropagain — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:44:00 GMT

I don't participate in that particular organization but I give in several ways through my church. I do the shoebox for the operation Christmas Child charity. I'm part of our church's Kid's Hope program and we go in together to buy a gift for our child. Our church also does a Christmas Angel Tree-type thing and I donate to that. That goes to the less fortunate kids in our local elementary schools. I also give to the Salvation Army Bell Ringers in our small town. I keep missing them this year though.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

CouponQueen — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 20:02:33 GMT

I did and do...Sunday when I was in Five Below (when I had the issue of a refund that I posted about..) I did buy two pillow pets they were asking to be purchased for the Toys for Tots campaign. That was the requested item that was selected.

I also decided to contribute locally to a church that is a small one that is non denominational and while they don't go to the screening level of Social Services but does screen.

This is ironic as it came up yesterday as this lady was posting on Facebook that many were misunderstanding the Bulletin. It was not a stop by and see Santa for a free cup of hot chocolate and free gift for each child that came. It was actually a toy pick up and wrap for already screened/approved families that otherwise would not get anything. People read her post/announcement was asking questions ..and how they mistook it for a meet/greet with free gift not sure..but they were and she had to clarify.

I had a bunch of new toys we had bought here and there these past few weeks looking for a donation place..and that is where they are going tomorrow.

Just yesterday there was a huge fallout on one of the Online Sites I belong to..this one young lady (five kids..18 months..3 years...5 years..7 years and 9..) was playing the sympathy card..no tree..no gifts..no clothing ..no apt nothing..they were moving and had nothing..people were rallying around donating..You click on her page and there is her kids decorating a very nice tree..then people started digging and found that the stuff they were donating and they even went out of their way to take to her..no car..and used their own $$for gas....these were also single mom's barely making it using their own funds for gas..and giving items for free...They found these items were being put on Craigslist and sold for cash....Needless to say it was drama to beat drama lol.. It was stuff her kids wouldn't like, so she was selling ti to buy what they would..on and on..that was her story..that it was a mistake..stop saying these untrue things..she has nothing...

Those stories are the ones that ruin the good deeds of others. As who wants to donate and have their items sold for cash?

I try not to think of this as it bothers me..I was going into Walmart Monday night and they had some guy out there with the Salvation Army bell ringing..I write them a check in the middle of the month (got that idea from here a few years ago...) but I always feel like a smudge when I walk past them and put nothing in..knowing I am going in and spending money and buying toys and stuff that is not needed and others do without..so I put a couple singles in...I come out and around the kettle talking to the bell ringer is three other guys .....they were laughing with him and trying to see if they could dig out the cash..you could see and hear them "look almost..almost..I got it almost..If I had a fork or pencil I could have it out.." this was right in front of the store where people were going in/out...they didn't seem to care and the bell ringing guy was laughing..he wasn't doing it..but he didn't stop them! I said to them.."I hope you are not doing what I think you are..?" and they all just laughed...

When I folded my singles up and put them in..the kettle was full and I don't know how they transport the kettles when they are done..but I certainly hope somebody comes and secures them and takes them..you could easily get the cash out..as those three guys were doing.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

Mominohio — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 21:38:26 GMT

On 12/10/2014 vermint said:
We've done Toys for Tots in the past, also donated toys & other things to our local Ronald McDonald House. But a few years ago, my church started doing an Angel Tree, so we usually pick a child from that. The last two years, however, someone in our Sunday School class has had difficulty providing Christmas for their children (long, very sad stories). That's where our $'s have gone.

Everyone does what they see as important with their charitable donations, but doesn't it feel good to help so 'close to home'? I love when the charity or help I give is as local or personal as possible. That doesn't mean the recipient has to know it is from me, I just like that I'm doing good right in my own neighborhood.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

brewhaha — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 21:39:18 GMT

I don't think the tots would know what to do with the toys I buy.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

Hooty — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 22:08:03 GMT

Besides our area Food Bank, I donate to Christmas ClearingHouse.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

faeriemoon — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 23:06:41 GMT

No; we donate to the Humane Society and St. Judes year round and at Christmas.

Re: Do you donate toys to Toys for Tots.....

Clover29 — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 23:38:14 GMT

I don't know if it's national or not, but mattress stores round here (and in Seattle where we used to live) collect toys for foster kids. When I took a toy last year, it was such a sad looking dump; there was one obviously used bike and some other used toys (you're supposed to drop off only new toys). This year, it was an entirely different thing (at a different store). The place was just oozing nice toys. The lady who helped me said they have to keep taking toys in the back, they're given too many to keep them all out "on display".

I just got some little stocking stuffer type things, toy cars, Disney princess doll.