Every December, homes across the Triad start to sparkle—Christmas lights twinkling, gifts tucked under trees, and children eagerly counting down the days until Santa arrives. But while many of us are wrapping up shiny new toys, others in our community are quietly worrying about how to make the season special for their children.

A local charity shop volunteer once shared something that completely changed how I think about giving. “I wish people would donate toys before Christmas instead of after,” she said. “The week before Christmas, we see parents come in looking for gifts for their little ones, but the shelves are empty. Then, right after Christmas, we’re flooded with donations.”

That perspective is powerful—and a simple reminder that the timing of generosity can make all the difference. Clearing out toys before the holidays not only helps tidy playrooms but can bring real joy to a child whose parents may be struggling to afford gifts this year.

A New Tradition of Giving

If your child’s toy collection is overflowing, consider turning the pre-holiday cleanup into a family project. Sit down together, talk about what each toy meant, and choose a few special items to pass along. It’s a beautiful way to teach gratitude and empathy—helping kids understand that sharing what we have can bring happiness to others.

Donating toys before Christmas ensures that local organizations have time to sort, display, and distribute them to families who need them most. It’s one of the simplest ways to make sure your generosity meets the moment.

Where to Donate in the Winston-Salem Area

There are many wonderful organizations throughout Forsyth County that welcome gently used toys and children’s items. Here are just a few that can turn your family’s outgrown treasures into holiday joy:

• Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC
  Accepts a wide range of gently used items, including toys, books, and games. Donations help fund local job training and employment programs, empowering individuals and families throughout the community.
  Multiple locations across Winston-Salem | goodwillnwnc.org
• The Salvation Army
  In addition to its well-known Angel Tree program for new toys, The Salvation Army also accepts gently used, functional toys throughout the year. Many are given to families in need around the holidays or for birthdays.
  1255 N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem | 336-723-6366
• Winston-Salem Rescue Mission
  This local nonprofit accepts donations of nearly all kinds—clothing, household goods, and yes, toys—to support its shelter and recovery programs for men and families in crisis.
  718 Trade Street NW, Winston-Salem | 336-723-1848
• City With Dwellings
  While primarily serving individuals experiencing homelessness, City With Dwellings occasionally accepts toy or children’s item donations, especially items like games, puzzles, or art supplies that can brighten spirits during the season.
  520 N. Spring Street, Winston-Salem | 336-577-8649
• Pinwheels Thrift Store & Family Center
  Run by The Parenting PATH, Pinwheels accepts gently used toys, clothing, and baby items. Proceeds support parenting education and programs that strengthen local families.
  690 Coliseum Drive NW, Winston-Salem | 336-748-9028
• Local Daycare Centers
  Many local daycares and early learning centers gladly accept gently used toys, puzzles, and books to enhance their play areas. It’s best to call ahead to ask about specific needs and donation policies.

What to Keep in Mind

Before you load up your car with bags of toys, keep these quick tips in mind:

• Call first. Always confirm that an organization is currently accepting toy donations, and ask about any restrictions (for example, no stuffed animals or oversized items).
• Check condition. Make sure toys are clean, functional, and have all their pieces—think “gently used,” not “well-loved.”
• Know the difference. Programs like Toys for Tots and many children’s hospitals only accept new, unopened toys for health and safety reasons, so double-check before you go.

The Heart of the Holidays

This season, as you make space for the new, remember that what your family has outgrown might be exactly what another family is wishing for. Whether it’s a dollhouse, a box of building blocks, or a stack of storybooks, your simple act of giving could turn into someone else’s Christmas morning magic.

Because the true heart of the holidays isn’t found in what we receive—it’s in what we give away.

Give Local — Toy Donation Drop-Offs

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Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC
Multiple locations | goodwillnwnc.org
Accepts toys, books, and games year-round

The Salvation Army
1255 N. Trade Street | 336-723-6366
Donations help families year-round through local programs

Winston-Salem Rescue Mission
718 Trade Street NW | 336-723-1848
Donations support shelter and recovery services

City With Dwellings
520 N. Spring Street | 336-577-8649
Accepts small games and art supplies for families and children

Pinwheels Thrift Store & Family Center
690 Coliseum Drive NW | 336-748-9028
Benefits The Parenting PATH programs for local families