Host a Toy Drive

Make a Difference All Year Round: Organise a Sustainable Toy Drive

 

Giving preloved toys a second life is a meaningful way to bring joy to children in need while reducing waste. Organising a sustainable toy drive anytime during the year helps support your community and protect the environment.

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Before you organise a Toy Drive

 

1. Reach out to local community organisations, schools and Joy of Giving to see if they would accept toy donations or if they have specific needs. 

    

2. Do not assume that local organisations have the capacity to process the toys they receive and always check their ability to manage donations.

    

3. Consider organising a small fundraiser at the same time to support the organisations that help distribute toys and books, as there are costs involved in their valuable work.

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5 Simple Steps to Organise a Toy Drive

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• Step 1: Choose a Collection Period

  • Set the start and end dates for your toy drive / collection.

     

• Step 2: Set Up a Drop-Off Point

  • Designate a clear, accessible space with boxes / shelves for collection.

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• Step 3: Promote the Toy Drive

  • Share messages highlighting the joy of giving, sustainability, and supporting our community. Use posters, emails, or social media to engage participants.

  • Example of facts and messages to share

    • Each year, 27 million toys end up in Australia’s landfills - Imagine the impact we could have if these toys were reused or repurposed instead!

    • Most toys cannot be recycled in Australia due to a lack of proper infrastructure. This means countless toys are thrown away when they could be given a second life.

    • 1.2 million children in Australia are living in poverty - Many of these children could benefit from a little extra joy through donated toys.

       

• Step 4: Explain How to Prepare Toys

  • Include clear instructions in your poster:

    • Check for Damage: Donate only complete, undamaged toys, books and stationery.

    • Clean Thoroughly: Wash soft toys and wipe down hard ones with soapy water or disinfectant.

    • Ensure Safety: Remove batteries and check for age-appropriate use.

    • Pack Neatly: Seal boxes with tape, use ziplock bags for small items, and ensure full sets for games or puzzles.

       

• Step 5: Collect and Organise Toys

  • Accept clean, gently used toys and sort them by type for easy pick-up or delivery.

  • Take photos of the collected toys and contact your designated organisations before delivery.

  • Don’t forget to share the photos with those who supported you throughout the process.​