If you’re looking for ways to give back this holiday season, consider donating to Toys for Tots or one of these other locations where you can donate toys in NYC. After all, during this jolly season, what brings more joy to children and families than celebrating Christmas morning with presents under the tree? Unfortunately, many local families need support to provide toys for their children.
If you have the means, it’s a wonderful gesture to spread cheer by donating new toys to local charities. We’ve found multiple charities that allow families to donate toys in NYC. From the perennially popular Toys for Tots to other local charities, these organizations and their patrons can use your support. If you’re struggling to put toys under your own tree, we’ve also noted how to request toys where possible.
Remember that most of these locations accept new toy donations. If you’re looking for places to donate gently used clothes and other items, we’ve got those, too. Plus, find tons more picks to make your holiday season extra merry in our New York City Kids Guide to Christmas and the Holidays.
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2024 Toys for Tots Drop-Off Locations in NYC
1. Toys For Tots – Multiple Locations
Toys For Tots is one of the most well-known charities where you can donate toys in NYC and beyond. This organization is famous nationwide and has been spreading hope and cheer since 1947. To date, 627 million toys have been collected and distributed to children in need. Toys For Tots helps provide children ages birth through 12 (sometimes up to age 16) with brand-new toys. The NYC Toys For Tots campaign is one of nearly 800 campaigns nationwide. The official NYC Toys For Tots campaign is affiliated with the Marine Corps, which collects toys at drop-off locations throughout the five boroughs.
How to get help: Contact one of these approved organizations to request toys. Please note that the NYC Toys For Tots campaign only collects the toys; it is not able to distribute them.
RELATED: How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season
Operation Santa lets shoppers select and ship a present to kids in need each holiday season. Photo courtesy USPS
Where to Donate Toys in NYC
2. USPS Operation Santa – Multiple Locations
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer…on postman! This is a truly magical operation and one that has been going on for more than 100 years. Each year, thousands of children send letters to Santa at the North Pole. The United States Postal Service collects these letters for Operation Santa and posts them (withholding private information) online. You can then read through the letters and choose to adopt one for the holidays. Follow the guidelines provided by the USPS to send a gift and a note to the child for the holidays. The whole family can read the letters online, choose one to adopt, and then go shopping—and shipping—together to make someone’s holiday a little brighter.
How to get help: Follow the letter-writing tips here. The deadline has passed for 2024; bookmark the program for next year’s holiday season.
3. Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation – Brooklyn and Queens
The AALDC’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive benefits families and children living in local homeless shelters during the holidays. Find a list of participating merchants who house Holiday Toy Drive Boxes in their business and more on the AALDC’s website. Drop off a toy in person or purchase a toy directly from the AALDC’s Amazon wish list.
4. The Child Center of New York – Forest Hills, Queens
The Child Center of New York has 50 locations and 100 programs across the city to support families and children with growth and development. From early childhood to youth to residential support, this organization helps those in need in many ways. Its holiday toy drive helps create a beautiful, lasting memory for children in the center’s programs. At this time, physical toys are not being accepted, but you can donate online to help make holiday wishes come true.
How to get help: If you are interested in receiving support for your child through one of the Child Center of New York’s programs, call 718-651-7770 or email info@childcenterny.org.
RELATED: 20 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family
Camba hosts an annual toy drive for families living in its shelters across NYC. Photo courtesy of Camba
5. Camba – the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens
Camba hosts an annual holiday toy drive to collect toys for children in its five family homeless shelters throughout three NYC boroughs. It estimates that 21,000 NYC children will be living in a homeless shelter this holiday season, and each donation counts. Whether you’re considering donating as a family or creating a neighborhood toy drive to collect toys to donate to Camba’s holiday toy drive, reach out to Camba’s development director at 718-287-2600, ext. 20321 or email development@camba.org.
6. Hance Family Foundation – Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island
The Hance Family Foundation was founded by Warren and Jackie Hance, whose three daughters tragically died in a car accident. In their memory, the foundation has created scholarships and programs to support families and communities. Each year, the organization hosts an annual toy drive. The Hance Family Foundation’s 2024 toy drive runs through Wednesday, December 18. With multiple drop-off sites and online shopping options, you can easily donate toys in NYC to this organization.
More Places to Donate Toys in NYC
7. Room to Grow – The Bronx
Room to Grow is a unique organization with an incredible mission to support children and families in need. It not only provides families with essential baby and toddler items; this organization also has a program that supports families with individual visits and support starting in the last trimester before birth until the child turns 3. For toy donations, Room to Grow stipulates toys must be clean and have no missing pieces. No stuffed animals are accepted. It does, however, accept gently used items in excellent condition. Toys should be appropriate for infants through age 3. If you’re not sure what items are accepted by Room to Grow, check out this handy donation checklist for a comprehensive list of items and information. Donations may be dropped off at the South Bronx Family Center, sent by mail, or scheduled for a pickup ($100 fee).
How to get help: Apply for the program for free support.
8. Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital – Upper East Side
Consider donating new toys or making an online donation to directly impact a child at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. While there is no physical toy donation drop-off location available, you can donate toys easily to children in need by purchasing something on the hospital’s Amazon Wish List or by making a monetary donation. The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department helps young patients find joy and magic through art and play. The addition of a donated toy can brighten an otherwise challenging time for a child and their family.
9. Good+ Foundation – Midtown West
The Good+ Foundation is a national nonprofit that supports low-income families and caregivers by providing them with essential goods. Founded by Jessica Seinfeld, the organization has donated more than $80 million worth of items to families in need. The Good+ Foundation accepts new toy donations. To schedule a drop-off, please visit the website or call 212-736-1777. You can also donate a new toy or item through the foundation’s Amazon Baby Registry.
10. Little Essentials – Brooklyn Navy Yard
For more than 10 years, Little Essentials has been supporting families living in poverty by providing necessary items and education, geared toward supporting the growth and wellness of children under 5 years old. You can donate new (and gently used) toys to Little Essentials. The acceptable age range for items is newborn to age 5. You can book an appointment online to schedule a donation drop-off at the Brooklyn Navy Yard location. You can also purchase a new item from its Amazon or Walmart Wish Lists.
11. NYC Mammas Give Back – Manhattan
Located in West Chelsea, NYC Mammas Give Back is an organization with a strong mission to support NYC mothers and families who face homelessness and poverty. Currently, NYC Mamas Give Back is between warehouses, so a monetary donation is the best way to contribute. It also has an Amazon Wish List.
Originally published in 2022.
