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Out with the Old
Ways to Recycle Toys
By Crystal Patriarche
Weeding through your child's toy box probably sounds as much fun as getting wisdom teeth pulled. It's a project that can take hours and you never know what surprises are lurking in there: smashed cookies, an old sticky sippy cup and probably a slew of long lost misfit toys and pieces.
With the amount of toys kids get these days, it's a good idea to take on the task a couple of times a year – in the spring and before holidays are good times – and tackle those toys. Before loading up the garbage can, try these recycling strategies:
"I have a 2-year-old and am now pregnant with my second child, so I went through all of Joey's toys and made sure that I took out all the baby ones to put in the new baby's nursery," says Jennifer VanHooser, an Indianapolis, Ind., mother. "This helped eliminate toys that he doesn't play with anymore and got rid of some clutter. It also helped me know what I need, and don't need, for baby No. 2."
Passing down toys between children is one easy way to recycle and cut down costs. If you don't have more children to hand them down to, check with friends. "I have gotten rid of some of the baby toys by giving them to friends that are having babies," says Sonja Nickels, a Denver, Colo., mother of one. "I just put a couple in their goody bag of other things I purchase. I do tell them they are recycled, but they generally appreciate it, especially those who are having their first child and have nothing."
VanHooser takes her son to her mother's during the week while she works as a nurse. Because Joey is at his grandmother's regularly, she picked out a special set of toys that reside at Grandma's house for good. "I do send duplicate toys and extra toys to my mom's house so she will have toys for him to play with," she says. "This way she doesn't have to go out and buy any new toys."
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Re: Out With the Old by Project Night Night on 11/14/2008 11:58PM
If you're looking for a way to recycle your stuffed animals or blankets try checking out Project Night Night! The Project Night Night organization basically provides a package, free of charge, to homeless children from birth to preteen who need our childhood essentials to feel secure, cozy, ready to learn and significant. Each Night Night Package contains a new security blanket, a children's book, and a stuffed animal -- all nestled inside a new canvas tote bag. For more information on donating or getting involved check out their Web site at www.projectnightnight.org!