Getting Started Kit
Welcome to Second Chance Toys, a charitable initiative to rescue and recycle gently loved plastic toys for children in need. Your efforts will make a difference and provide the much needed tools for play and social development.
Step 1: Find Toys- Accept plastic toys only
- They look good as new, are easily cleaned, contain no lead paint, do not biodegrade in our landfills
- Toys must be complete: no broken, small or missing parts and batteries must work
- Collections are conducted during April for Earth Week or in November/December for the holidays - Network with family, friends, business colleagues, schools, organizations, troops and religious groups for toy donation.
- Use social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to reach your personal networks and promote your collection.
- Download our resource materials including flyers, poster, tags and activity booklets, and customize with your collection information.
- Use to publicize your collection (see Step 5) - TIP: Find out the dates for bulk trash days in your surrounding communities. This is an easy way to get lots of toys in just a few hours!
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Step 2: Prepare Toys- Ask for donations of CLEAN plastic toys
- If cleaning is still necessary:
- Cleaning can be a fun group and team-building activity
- Use an antibacterial soap or wipes - Avoid hazardous toys
- Check against the CPSC toy recall list
- No plastic slinkies
- No toys with small pieces
- Any piece that can fit through the opening of a toilet paper roll is a choking hazard - Take photos of your collection
- Let everyone know about your great work. Submit your photos and a description to be posted on our blog
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Step 3: Find an Organization- Check out our Interactive Map of accredited recipient organizations and choose where you'd like to donate.
- Fill out the toy donation form on the same page to claim your reservation spot at your chosen organization.
- Make sure that your location has an open reservation spot and can accomodate your volume of donations.
- Once you are approved as a donor you will recieve an email reminder from Second Chance Toys.
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Step 4: Donate Toys- Pack up your collected plastic toys in large plastic bags
- You are responsible to get your donations to the facility of your choice, either by dropping them off or arranging for pick-up with the provided contact info.
- Be sure to drop-off or have plans for pick-up in time for the holidays!
- Make your toys count!
- As a 501(c)3 we are accountable for every toy donated. If you collect more toys than your initial estimate, send us a note at info@secondchancetoys.org - If you would like to be featured on our website blog and/or social media pages, send us a short description and attach some photos of your efforts.
*Remember to establish permission ahead of time before taking photos at the donation, as taking photos of children is at the discretion of the organization/parents.
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Step 5: Get Media Coverage- Media coverage is beneficial. It helps create awareness of your efforts and generates leads for toy donations
- The local press loves the Second Chance Toys story as it involves children and the environment. You may always refer them to our website for more information.
- Search online for your local newspapers
- Pre-collection publicity:
- Spread the word about your collection. Send/email the details in a community calendar alert to your local newspaper. Send as soon as possible so the paper can publish ahead of time
- Hang a flyer/poster around town to drive more involvement - Post-collection publicity:
- Get the name of the assignment editor or a reporter that covers community service or the environment at your local newspaper or website
- Email a press release tailored with your collection dates, hours and location. - Follow-up:
- Determine if they have received the release and are interested in the story
- Use the opportunity to explain your program
- Ask the media if they plan to send a photographer to your toy donation. Be sure to establish permission from the organization first
- OR, send your own photo, caption and press release following the donation
- Call to see if and when they plan to publicize your collection/donation
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Step 6: Use Our Resource Materials
Once you sign up as a Collector, be sure to use these free materials to promote your collection.
