Charities

TotBargains was founded when, in my new mommy bargain-hunting mania, I stumbled upon more than a few deals that would be great for someone, just not necessarily for me.  Like 75% off pretty pink blankets… for my baby boy.  I couldn’t use them, but I knew someone else could.

Before I started blogging about them, sometimes I’d pick up one or two and keep them for donation events that would pop up throughout the year.  It made me feel good to give them to someone who needed them and I felt good about getting them for a good price.  It was addictive.  So I found other ways to donate- including finding some excellent children’s charities that accept new kids items mailed directly to them.  Truly, donating to children in need could not be any easier!

We know how to squeeze the value out of a dollar here.  Just think of how far those pennies can stretch when you use your keen bargain-hunting skills to benefit those in need.  If you’ve got $25 in your budget for charitable donations, let us help you stretch it.  Instead of buying a $20 puzzle with $5 shipping, we’ll help you find that same puzzle for 40% off with free shipping- so you (and the kids!) can get two puzzles for the same $25.  Win-win!

All of these charities below make it so easy to give- just ship your purchase as a gift to their donations mailing address.  A few clicks is all the work you’ll do to put a smile on the face of a child!

If you have a favorite charity that will accept new children’s items shipped directly to them, please let me know about it.  I have a soft spot in my heart for children in need and I would love to grow this list to make it a great resource for anyone looking to make a donation.

My Stuff Bags Foundation

From their website:

“Since 1998, the My Stuff Bags Foundation has been addressing the needs of an often forgotten group of American children – those who must leave everything behind when they are rescued from abuse, neglect or abandonment, or who must flee with their mothers to the safety of a battered women’s home. Tragically, these children enter shelters with little more than the clothes on their backs and little hope for their future.

My Stuff Bags are bright blue individual duffels filled with brand new, age- and gender-appropriate toys, books, a stuffed animal, school supplies, clothing, personal toiletries, and a warm, often hand-made “security” blanket – all theirs to keep. Packed with items they desperately need as they adjust to their new surroundings, My Stuff Bags provide things to do and to hold during this difficult time.

Perhaps most importantly, because most items in a My Stuff Bag are donated by caring people nationwide, and the duffels are packed by a core of loyal volunteers, the children learn that lots of people really do care about them.

The My Stuff Bags Foundation is the only organization providing rescued children nationwide with new belongings in duffels that they can keep.”

Click here to see a list of needed items- but they are always looking for stuffed animals, coloring books & crayons, small toys, baby stuff, books, clothing, and blankets!

Donations Address:

My Stuff Bags Foundation
5347 Sterling Center Dr
Westlake Village, CA 91361

See pics of their good work on Facebook!

Find more information about the My Stuff Bags Foundation on Charity Navigator.

Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix

From their website:

“Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Phoenix, Inc. provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families who must travel to the Phoenix area to receive medical treatment for their sick or injured children and also supports programs that directly benefit children and their families in our community.

The need for in-kind donations is tremendous at Ronald McDonald House. In-Kind donations free up additional funding to better serve the families who find a home away from home at the House. With two Houses and 63 bedrooms, grounds to maintain and offices to run, the list of in-kind donations needed is extensive.”

Click here to see a general list of needed items, or here for the specific needs of the Phoenix chapter- but any new toy or children’s activity would be well appreciated!

Donations Address:

Or click here and find your local chapter.

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

From their website:

“St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude covers the cost of food, travel and lodging for each patient and a family member.

In 1962, the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer, was 4 percent. Today, the survival rate for this once deadly disease is 94 percent, thanks to research and treatment protocols developed at St. Jude.  The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.6 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions.“

The need is great to put smiles on these tiny fighter’s faces!  New board games, craft supplies, books, and small toys are always accepted, but please no stuffed animals or clothing.

Donations Address:

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

From their website:

“When you give to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, you give the gift of childhood to children around the world. Because of gifts from people like you, we can continue to conduct groundbreaking research that will save children’s lives, and improve medical care around the world.

Play experiences can help children to cope and adjust to illness and hospitalization. Play is one way we meet the developmental, psychosocial, emotional and educational needs of our patients. You can help our patients by making a donation of new toys, games, and other supplies.”

This is a very dear cause to us at TotBargains, as we personally know a child who has benefited from CHOP’s world-class services and the generosity of its donors.  Click here for donating FAQs, or here for a list of needed items. The Child Life Department is always in need of baby and toddler toys and activities.

Donations Address:
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department
34th Street and Civic Center Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Children’s Cancer Association

From their website:

“Founded more than a decade ago by a family who has been there, the Children’s Cancer Association brings JoyRx to seriously ill children and their families, in the hospital and at home. When families need support, CCA is there with award-winning programs and resources, available at no cost to those in need, in Oregon, SW Washington and across the nation.”

Click here for a list of needed items. Toys, DVDs, and art activities are always welcome.

Donations Address:

Find out more information about CCA on Charity Navigator.

Toys for Tots Program

From their site:

“The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.”

Click here to find local drop-off during the holiday season.

Have another charity you think would welcome new toys shipped directly to them? Send us an email and let us know about them!