Not to take credit for a good insight — this was recently seen in a shared post on a local social media group:

“I heard something recently that really made me pause. A woman who works at a thrift store said she wishes people would donate their children’s old toys before Christmas, not after.

She said every year, parents come in during the week before Christmas, hoping to find toys they can afford, and shelves are nearly empty. Then, once the holidays are over, the store fills up with donations, just a little too late for those families who needed them most.

If your kids are expecting new toys this Christmas, maybe spend a day sorting through the ones they’ve outgrown. A few early donations could mean another child wakes up to a little extra magic on Christmas morning.”

While the holidays are about spending time with loved ones and family, they are also about the spirit of giving. The above advice not only applies to toys but to things like children’s books, games, and clothing, all of which can make a child’s Christmas a more merry experience.

One might not always think beforehand about making those donations, but wait until after when all the extra toys have arrived and then realize that space must be made. But thinking ahead and doing it beforehand, as pointed out, ensures that those in need will be able to find them, and your child’s old toys can become a child in need’s new treasures. It also ensures that space for all the new toys is already available.

A helpful decluttering method is to frame the project positively with children, asking them to select toys they no longer play with for a “Santa” or “North Pole” collection to give to others.

Some places that Newtown residents can donate:

The Cornerstone Thrift Center, Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.

The Thrifting Patch Antiques Store, 97 South Main Street Unit #9.

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street.

That is ignoring other larger chains like Savers, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army, though obviously those are also options. This list is not meant to be comprehensive, apologies to anyone that was missed.

Before donating, keep the following in mind:

Check guidelines: Call ahead to understand the specific rules of the organization you choose. Some may require new toys only, especially for hospitals or specific toy drives.

Assess the toys: Ensure all toys are clean, in good working order, and have all their pieces (like board games).

Consider safety: Be mindful of safety guidelines. Hospitals, for example, often cannot accept toys with latex balloons due to allergy precautions.

Involve children: Make it a family activity. Have children help sort their toys and explain that “Santa” is taking the ones they have outgrown to give to other children.

Declutter: Sort toys into categories to make it easier to see what you have.