QUESTION AND ANSWERS

"Family Centers will take them and use them in their centers or give them to families," writes Swansea Benham Bleiche, Director of the Northampton Parent Center. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

Alison Webster asks, “Does anyone know where I could donate used, very good condition toys and they would go directly to kids/families?”

• Shoshona King recommends: Amherst Survival Center
• Jody Hadden recommends: Try your local womens shelter or homeless shelter. I know the Elizabeth Freeman Center (Great Barrington, MA) takes them – also any daycare center usually will.
• Alisa Blanchard recommends: Or the Redfield House in Pittsfield, MA.
• Heather Richardson recommends: Contact your local church and see if they can be donated to them for families in need. That’s where mine are going.
• Swansea Benham Bleiche recommends: Family Centers will take them and use them in their centers or give them to families.
• Debbie Richards recommends: Northampton Survival Center 413-586-6564
• Faith Ann recommends: Forbes Library “Giving Tree” in the Children’s Department (Northampton, MA) get distributed to kids in need.
• Diane Hinze Kanzler recommends: The Greenfield Family Inn at 128 Federal Street accepts donations of used items in good condition. All items go directly to the families living there. 413-774-6382. It’s important to call first.
• Alison Platek Webster writes: Thank you all for the great suggestions. Hoping to start a tradition with my kids (oldest is 2) of giving both our toys and new toys each holiday.

Heather Richardson asked a similar question this summer.  Check out recommendations the community offered her HERE.