Like many parents of young children, you probably started the new year with a LOT more toys (thanks, Santa!). Making room for new items usually means you have to get rid of toys that your littles no longer play with and as we head into spring cleaning season we know quickly those toy piles can stack up!
Before you grab the garbage bag or recycling bin, consider donating your child’s gently used toys to local organizations who are giving to children and families in need! Here’s a short list of places around town to check out.
*Note: donations are accepted at each organization’s discretion.
Donation Spots and Organizations in the Nashville Area
According to their website, ThriftSmart notes “Unlike many thrift stores, 100% of our proceeds benefit local nonprofits. ThriftSmart is a 501c3 organization. Each donation of clothes or goods benefits the lives of others.” This is Nashville’s largest thrift store whose sole purpose is to support underserved communities in Nashville. They work to support numerous local schools, nonprofits, churches; they also play a huge role in welcoming refugees into the Nashville community. To learn more about how to donate gently used toys and more click here. ThriftSmart has drop off boxes in Nashville, Smyrna, Brentwood, and Franklin and they even offer free pickup services! Learn more about scheduling a donation pickup.
Fannie Battle Day Home for Children
Since 1891 Fannie Battle Day Home has been offering affordable childcare and education to working Nashville families with children from six weeks to twelve years of age. One important goal of this organization is to help strengthen families through their Family Empowerment Program, which provides services like coaching, financial counseling, and employment navigation. Fannie Battle Day Home does accept some gently used children’s toys, but request that you call their office at 615-228-6745 to discuss items you wish to give. Learn more about accepted donation items and in-kind donations.
Murfreesboro has been the home of Outreach Thrift Store since 1992 and has been helping to provide emergency items to those in need within the community. Families that are referred to Outreach are able to find items that meet their specific needs, including children’s clothes and toys. Shopping here allows Outreach to continue their much-needed services throughout Murfreesboro and the surrounding area. The store relies on the generosity of those who are able donate clothes and other household items. Click here for information on their two drop box locations or donate in person during store hours at their new location at 338 SE Broad St. Suite A, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.
Blue Planet Recycling is a clothing donation service based in Metro Nashville. They specialize in helping individuals donate gently used clothing to those in need. At Blue Planet Recycling, they are relentlessly committed to improving the environment. For this reason, they have partnered with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to create clothing recycling efforts in our local communities. They have made it more accessible than ever for people to donate their extra clothing and shoes. The Nashville Area has numerous conveniently placed “Blue” Recycling Bins all over the city, which are environmentally beneficial.
This-N-That Thrift Shop in Nashville is staffed entirely by over a hundred volunteers! They have been providing Nashville with affordable goods and household items since 1971. You can feel good about donating your gently used toys to This-N-That. Their website states that, “Because proceeds from the sale of merchandise at This ‘n That benefit St. Luke’s Community House, your donations and purchases provide a wealth of opportunity for working families, seniors and children.” Click here to learn more about donation guidelines and donating hours at This-N-That Thrift Shop.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville
For decades, Catholic Charities of Tennessee has been serving the Middle Tennessee area through services like hunger relief, housing stability, disaster relief, family resource centers and much more. In-kind donations of household goods, books and children’s toys are always appreciated so they can continue to meet the needs of families in Nashville and surrounding areas. Contact their Family Collective department for more information on how best to give gently used toys or other items. Email [email protected] or call 615-352-3087 x-2113.
Call the Arc Pick Up Service to donate your gently used clothes, tools, dishes, books, games, bikes, skateboards, and garden gnomes to the Arc of Davidson County. Your items will be sold to local thrift stores for resale. The proceeds are used to support the Arc’s services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. They will greet you with a smile and make the donation process easy. Give them a call today to schedule your next pickup at (615) 248-4112 or [email protected]. You can also visit their online scheduling page here. Having a yard sale at your church, school, or other organization? Don’t forget to call the Arc to arrange for pick-up of your unsold items. They will be happy to arrange a pick up after your sale ends.
GraceWorks’ communal approach to charitable work is expressed in its mission statement: “Neighbor serving Neighbor, by the power of God’s grace.” In addition to offering supportive services for shelter, food, clothing and financial assistance, GraceWorks also operates their own Thrift Store. Located in Franklin, TN, the thrift store was born out of the belief that everyone should have the ability to purchase high-quality goods such as clothing, furniture, and household items at affordable prices. The thrift store is open to the public and features a wide variety of merchandise, including many new items, all donated by generous supporters. GraceWorks Thrift Store and its donation center are located at 104 Southeast Parkway, Franklin. (*Never leave donations outside GraceWorks.) Free pickups are available throughout Williamson County for larger items such as furniture and large appliances in great condition. You can schedule a pickup here.
*All items are requested to be in good/excellent condition with absolutely no rips, stains or tears, nothing overly worn or covered in pet hair.
