Getting Started Kit

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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.

This "How To" kit will help you get started with your own toy collection and provide ideas for rescuing, cleaning, and donating toys through local organizations that serve disadvantaged children. Our mission is to help the environment and children everywhere. We invite any comments or questions to help you get your own program off the ground.

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

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.

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.

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