What To Do With Kid Donations

We all know about spring cleaning, but how about summer back to school cleaning! The end of summer marks a great time for a declutter as you reset in preparation for the new school year. Cycle out summer style clothing for school appropriate outfits and while you’re at it, donate your kid’s clothes that no longer fit size wise or no longer fit their style. Replace art stations and playrooms with school supplies and clear out any toys, games, and art that your kids have out grown or are missing pieces.

Buy Nothing Groups

Buy Nothing is such a go to for our company any time we have a random one off item to donate. Neighborhoods all over the globe have their own Buy Nothing Group and community on Facebook where you can regift items to your neighbors at no cost to them. No matter what it is, toys, games, art, clothes, strollers…you name it and someone in the group will want it! Find your group!

Toy Recycling Drop Boxes

Have a toy or game with missing pieces and don’t feel it can be donated? There are toy recycling drop boxes all over LA! I drop mine across from The Grove on Ogden next to Ross. So easy!

Start a Crayon Collection

Follow the lead of the organization Crayon Collection and don’t let those half used crayons go to waste. Start collecting crayons that would otherwise be trashed from your own home, the homes of your friends with kids, and even a local restaurant that gives out crayons for free. Then, donate your collection to a Title 1 school. Look here for a full guide on how to donate your crayons.

Sell Their Items

Make a little cash back and put it toward the impending expenses that come from the school year. Once Upon a Child is a consignment store that buys and sells children’s clothing (must be in great condition and in style). Check the list of what they buy to see the brands most likely to sell and find a location here.

Baby 2 Baby

This organization is currently collecting donations of new or unused items for babies such as formula, diapers, food, shampoo, soap, wipes, and other hygiene products. If you bought the wrong brand of diapers or something of the sort, this is a great place to donate your excess. Unfortunately, they are not accepting used clothing or toys right now due to Covid. Look here for info on how to donate to their Culver City location.

Alexandria House

Alexandria House provides transitional housing for women and children coming out of emergency situations. They accept all sizes of clothing and toys that are new or gently used to gift to their residents. You can drop off donations to their K-Town location Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; for more info, click here.

Topanga Women’s Circle

Topanga Women’s Circle fills transitional housing apartments with like new items to make the spaces more home-y. TWC has a drop box in Topanga open for drop offs every Saturday from 9am to 10:30am. They are accepting infant and toddler clothing in mint condition, as well as, good as new stuffed animals and toys. Full list of accepted items here!

Kid Book Donations

The Last Bookstore in DTLA accepts book donations of all kinds. They accept donations in store during all open business hours, or you can schedule a pick up from your home via Re-Book It. Once donated, your kids’ books will find new homes in local schools, libraries, or hospitals.

Union Rescue Mission

URM accepts children’s clothing, as well as maternity clothing, so long as the clothing is in good condition. Think, would I wear this myself? If the answer is no, then it’s probably a good candidate for textile recycling (which we take to Suay Sew Shop in Frogtown). Please label your donations as new, used, women’s, men’s, or children’s). They also accept baby items such as strollers, high chairs, and more. Toys will be accepted if they are high quality. Click here for a full guide on used items, here for current needs, and here for donations needed year round! Right now they are in major need of school supplies.

Upward Bound House

UBH is working to eliminate homeless by offering housing programs, childcare, and farming to combat food insecurity. They accept children and baby’s clothing in great condition after it has been washed. They accept toys if they are new! Baby items (strollers, play-pens, etc.) must be new as well. Check here for a full list of what they accept. UBH is one of our charity partners, our team volunteered on their farm together and learned a ton!