What do you do with old toys?

[janinlondon]

I have been having a major clearout of old toys over the last few weeks - carefully secreting them away in the understairs cupboard - in preparation for Christmas. Lots of these things are simply too young for DD now, and although many have seen better days, I feel dreadful throwing them away when I'm sure there are people who could use them. Local charity shops I know have a higher standard and are currently deluged with stuff, so that's not really an option. I keep thinking of kids in hospitals or families being temporarily housed. How do I find where to take them where they might be of use to someone?

why not try a mothers and toddlers group? i know mine is always strapped for cash and in need of some new toys - the little ones can get fed up of the usual ones

You can phone the hospital to ask them. There are often notices up in our doctors surgery for donations of furniture / toys etc.

I sell mine at Nearly New Sales but if yours aren't in the best condition, I would suggest going to your nearest hospital and seeing if anyone will take them off your hands. They seem to accept anything in the hospitals I have waited in, regardless of whether it works or is complete or not.