Sometimes overlooked when it comes to charity is the desire of a little child to have one or two toys that he or she can claim as their very own. While many of us tend to remember this around Christmas time, the fact is that the chance to bring some fun into the life of a child exists all year long. If you think a drive for toys for a children’s home or other local children’s charity might be a good idea, here are some tips to help you be successful.

First, you will need a sponsor. This can be a house of worship or a local civic club. Approach them with your idea and ask if they will sponsor the project and perhaps also help with collections and delivery. Once you have an interest expressed in collecting toys from a sponsor, you can move on to the second task.

Armed with a sponsor, you now need to find a recipient. Children’s homes often can use new toys for their younger charges. Typically, they have lists of toys that are appropriate for the children in their care, and can provide you with a copy of those lists. Consider this a big plus, as the list will be very helpful as you progress on to your next step.

With your sponsor and recipient lined up, it is time to publicize your drive for toys. Prepare a small kit that can be given to various organizations in your community. Be sure to include the start and end date for the collection of toys, as well as indicate whether people need to bring the toys to a central depository or make arrangements with your sponsor to pick them up. Make sure the drive lasts long enough for the organizations to get the word to their constituents, but not so long that people have time to forget about the drive. Generally, two weeks to a month is plenty of time.

Remember the list that you obtained from the children’s home? Expect to get calls from people who have heard of the collection of toys, but did not see the publicity kits. Have plenty of copies handy, so you can get one in the hands of all interested parties. The more people in your community know about what is considered appropriate for the children in question, the more likely they are to participate by contributing a few toys.

Don’t forget to keep track of every organization that donates toys to the drive. If you have individuals that contribute independent of any organization, make note of that as well. A thank you note after the drive is complete will be appreciated by all parties concerned, and will certainly increase the chances that they will participate the next time a similar drive is conducted.