I don’t know about you, but I’m in the process of slowly streamlining the books and toys my kids have so we 1) have space for the gifts we’re going to get this year, and 2) help our kids understand the idea that if they don’t play with something anymore, they should give it to someone who will.
We talk a lot about how we have more than other people do, and why it’s important to share when we can. The concept of “giving back” must have worked its way into their brains over the last few months, because one day my 6-year-old woke up and said, “I want to sort my LEGO bricks and give some to kids who don’t have any.” So we did. It might have been the proudest parenting moment I’ve had to date. We’ve come a long way from their toy drive at school last year when I wasn’t sure their offering would make it out of their backpack!
If you’re doing the same, but don’t know the best place to donate your toys, here are some of the Beijing charities looking for toys at the moment:
You can donate almost anything to Roundabout: books, clothes, toys, and household items. They’ll pick up at a convenient time. Just add this WeChat ID and arrange your donation!
Zarah is hosting a “Give a Present” Christmas Market on December 13 from 11am-4pm. You bring a gently used toy as a present to the Migrant Child’s Foundation, then enjoy some warm drinks while shopping from local artisans.
Why not give a little, get a little? O’Steak will take 1% off your bill for toy donated to less fortunate disadvantaged children before December 13. There’s a limit of 20 toys, though, so don’t expect a free meal, even for a great haul!
Everyone knows Toys For Tots, and you probably already got an invitation to someone’s private group. As of now, this WeChat group doesn’t have specific information, but the organizer assures us that soon they’ll be drop off points and also monetary donations collected for families in need. Might be good to join in case you don’t make it to one of the cool events listed above.
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Photos: courtesy of organizers, Cindy Marie Jenkins
