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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Toy Chest
Children's Charity?

The Toy Chest is a children's charity that provides toys, books, clothing and other items vital to the healthy development of children in underserved areas around Kentucky. We are committed to mentoring and fostering service values in all children, while providing them a platform to serve their peers. We are a grassroots organization of volunteers who are passionate about supporting Kentucky children.

How does the Toy Chest
serve kids?

Christmas is the the Toy Chest's largest service project. Each year we serve kids across Central and Eastern Kentucky with gifts including new toys and clothes. We also provide shoes and coats as they are needed. Family Resource Officers and other school leaders help us identify the children most in need.

How do I get involved with
Toy Chest?

You can get involved in several different ways.

1. Sponsor kids by shopping from their wish list!

2. Make a financial

donation by mailing a check or online at www.thetoychest.org

3. Your company can become a corporate sponsor.

4. Host a neighborhood or work place toy drive or clothes/shoe/coat drive. Tell us and we will help you with logistics.

5. Help us sort toys and clothes.

6. Volunteer at our Wrapping Party on Saturday, Dec 9th in Lexington. It's a fun way to get your whole family involved!

How do I sponsor a child?

You can sponsor a child in one of two ways, by shopping for gifts from their wish list or make a financial donation and our Christmas Elves will shop on your behalf! You can get started by emailing us at volunteer@thetoychest.org

How do I host a Toy Drive?

Hosting a toy drive is a really fun way to get your family & friends involved! Host a toy drop-off in your neighborhood or have a toy drive at your work or social club. Start by emailing us at volunteer@thetoychest.org and we will help you get started.

If I host a toy drive, what
items are popular?

We are happy to accept new items in original packaging. Popular toys include dolls, L.O.L. dolls, board games, Slime Putty, Tie Dye kits, craft kits, jewelry and art kits, Barbie's and Barbie playsets, remote control cars, fishing items, Legos, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls. Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars and racing tracks. Other items for some of our preteen and teenage kids include "Stocking Stuffers”. Some great ideas are shower/body wash, jewelry, mini stuffed animals, card games, craft items, laptop or water bottle stickers, journals, mini Lego kits, and other fun items that fit in stockings!

 

Check out our Amazon Registry for more ideas: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3GVFCAZ2GMK9J

What are the most
desirable donations?

New clothing, including shirts, pants, coats and winter shoes of any size are valuable items we can easily match to children that are being sponsored. Hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and jeans are popular items. Popular toys, new and in original packaging, include dolls, L.O.L. dolls, board games, Slime Putty, Tie Dye kits, craft kits, jewelry and art kits, Barbie's and Barbie playsets, remote control cars, fishing items, Legos, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls. Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars and racing tracks. Other items for some of our preteen and teenage kids include "Stocking Stuffers”. Some great ideas are shower/body wash, jewelry, mini stuffed animals, card games, craft items, laptop or water bottle stickers, journals, mini Lego kits, and other fun items that fit in stockings!

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How can my company get involved?

We love partnering with local businesses! You can host a toy drive or adopt a group of kids by shopping for them from their wish lists. Email us at volunteer@thetoychest.org and we will help you get started!

How can I make a financial donation?

You may make a donation on our website at www.thetoychest.org or mail a check to

PO Box 22055, Lexington, KY 40502.

Does the Toy Chest accept
used toys or clothes?

No, we have limited resources to clean, sort and store used items.

Is my financial contribution
tax deductible?

Yes, the Toy Chest Children's Charity is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 nonprofit charity. Contributions to the Toy Chest are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code.

How do you get the names of the kids from year to year?

We work with schools across KY to identify children in need. We also work with community and housing organizations.

Is there a location to drop
off donations?

We are currently working on drop-off locations to collect new toys and clothing. Call or text us at 859-333-5577 for more info. or to arrange for a pick-up or drop-off with one of our volunteers.

Join us at our Wrapping
Party on Saturday,
December 9th!

The Toy Chest Christmas wrapping day is on December 9th @ 9am-5pm at the Lexington Public Safety Operations Center in Lexington, KY. Let us know you are joining us by emailing volunteer@thetoychest.org. You can come by for a few hours or stick around for the day! Its lots of fun and we encourage families to volunteer together!

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