Charity store's plea to people who dump kids toys at Christmas time

"Sure, I snagged Christmas gifts for my kids in ten minutes for $20, but there's one thing generous people are doing wrong."

Every January the back rooms of St Vincent de Paul Society shops are filled with volunteers sorting through an overwhelming number of donated toys.

It’s the right idea. But at the wrong time.

“We do get swamped with donated toys post-Christmas,” Vinnies product stewardship manager, Lauren Hussey-Berlin tells Kidspot.

“What would be amazing is if we saw that influx pre-Christmas.”

I know parents don’t need another ‘to-do’ during the craziest time of year, but your pre-loved goods will make a bigger difference before the New Year.

If you’ve made a mental note to pack up the Barbies and board games for the Op Shop in the holidays, do it sooner rather than later.

“If families can donate pre-Christmas, that might mean a smile for another child at Christmas,” Ms Hussey-Berlin says.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Do you donate your kids' unwanted toys after Christmas? Image: Supplied

Donate earlier, and in good condition

As cost-of-living pressures continue to squeeze families from every direction, more parents are turning to charity stores for affordable goods.

Christmas is no different. Families will be hunting for toys and children’s books this festive season, and Vinnies want donations now.

“The rise of cost of living is influencing and widening the demographic turning to charity and non-for-profit stores,” Ms Hussey-Berlin says.

“It’s becoming a place to shop first, as opposed to going to the high street.”

St Vincent de Paul has two messages for parents donating goods: do it now and give quality. Unfortunately, a “high percentage” of pre-loved toys arrive damaged and dirty.

“Quality doesn’t mean designer, we’re talking clean, and where possible - lightly worn. The faster we turn a donation into funds, the faster we provide a service to the community,” Ms Hussey-Berlin says.

“If you give quality... anything you would give your own child... it goes on the floor almost immediately, and you can make someone very happy with that purchase.”

Another rule for donating is to not dump. There are 88 Vinnies shops in metro Sydney, so plenty of opportunities to take it straight to a volunteer.

There are so many toys available before Christmas. Image: Supplied

RELATED: Thrifty mum called ‘cheap’ for buying presents from op shops

Thrifting is becoming more “cool”

Not only are families coming in for gifts because of cost-of-living prices, there has been a change in attitude to used goods as people are more aware of the environment.

“Everybody’s purse strings are very different, and everyone is becoming more conscious,” Ms Hussey-Berlin says.

“When I worked in Crown St store, I saw parents educating their children, from a sustainability point of view, coming into the store and promoting underconsumption.”

“Buying second-hand also reduces the excess packaging you’d normally get in a department store or shopping online.”

Your donation goes on to help people in need

Having more toy donations, not only helps more customers find affordable gifts, but boosts funds for Vinnies programs supporting people who are experiencing disadvantage.

Close to 100,000 NSW people have been supported by Vinnies over the last year. The number of people seeking assistance has increased by 14 per cent in 12 months, with a third of those people seeking charity for the first time.

“Buying that gift has an onward impact, with money going to Vinnies vans so people don’t go to bed without a hot meal or providing accommodation to people in a domestic violence situation – it’s a full circle moment.”

In the lead up to Christmas, families are encouraged to both donate, and shop for gifts in store - and Sydney Op Shops have incredible finds for kids at bottom dollar prices.

After donating some of our well-loved toys and books, I picked up Christmas gifts for my three children, aged 7, 4 and 1, without even digging around, and only spending $20.

I scored a wooden Abacas, cheaper than you’d find on Temu, and classic books for $5 that normally retail for $30. 

Introducing our new podcast: Mum Club! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

RELATED: Mum does Christmas shopping a year in advance

What do shops need?

Aside from toys and books, Vinnies Op Shops are also always in need of menswear so get the boys in your lives to clean out their wardrobes.

And if you’re feeling extra charitable, Vinnies is looking for volunteers, “they are needed and very much appreciated”, Ms Hussey-Berlin said.

The Australian Red Cross is another charity waiting with open arms for donations.

Vinnies workers want your donations way before your end of year clean-up. Image: Supplied

While the stores don’t take toys, they can never get enough quality clothing.

“We encourage Aussies to dig deep into their wardrobes, and find those items that they love, but know they won’t wear again - these are the pieces that can make a real difference in raising funds to those in need,” Richard Wood, head of retail at Australian Red Cross said.

“If it’s something good enough to give to a friend then it’s something we’d love to have in store.”

Originally published as Charity store's plea to people who dump kids toys at Christmas time