First off, I think it's great that you're thinking about donating to Toys for Tots, and either way you can't go wrong because you're going to make some kid very happy.  However, my thought is that it's more common for them to get small/lower cost gifts, and that, if it's in your means, then the higher end gift could be a once in a lifetime experience for them.  So, I personally would vote for few "higher end" gifts, but like I said, either way you can't go wrong =)

Boys --- Sports items. Basketballs / Footballs with pumps and Baseball gloves are hot.

The Girls tend to dig the newest trendy things and the educational / make it your own stuff that you'll find at Michael's are very popular.

I'm involved with a local charity or two for kids in LV that's similar and have the whole list of the most requested things.... It's pretty much the same every year. Nice clothes are always needed... not the hand me down crap because the kids know and don't want to feel like they are getting the hand me down stuff. Clothes from Gap.... Old Navy and Justice with new tags rock.

There are a lot of Kids in Vegas that need lots of help with educational materials, etc.

I'm assuming since you are posting on the LV board.... you want to know what the LV kids need??

It's NEVER too late to ask what the kids need.

Personally... just buying a bunch of junk toys Made in China is a waste of money to me and more often just used for PR campaigns. Lots of kids need things just to help them feel like they are fitting in. Decent backpacks, decent school materials, clothes, etc, etc.. I always personally look for things that are going to enhance a child's self esteem to help them move forward in life from bad situations they have no control over.

One of my favorite charities in Las Vegas.... The Shade Tree .... The directors are absolutely wonderful and always a joy to work with. They'll tell you what's exactly needed.

Ok.... TMI but your question is worth it. I've seen a lot of stuff in the past several years and there are numerous LV kids out there that need much more important things then a Barbie Doll or the other shit on aisle 7 of your local Wal-Mart that I always see in the Trash out items left behind and not important enough for families in need to take along with them.

-- Cheers!

Posted twice... disregard.

-- Cheers!



-- Modified on 1/23/2013 3:35:01 AM

I always do a weekend or two of charity work each month (more if you consider attending charitable events like the Great Gatsby Gala, Glass Slipper Soiree, and the Black and White Ball, etc) lol

This past Christmas season I was working with Title 1 Hope which supports homeless students in the Clark County School District. My task was to help distribute the Christmas Wish Lists of homeless students ages 5 - 18 to local businesses and/or families who had committed to "adopt" these children and fill these wishes from their lists. As I was going through these lists I was really surprised that many of these children (especially the ones over the age of 9) were asking for things like high end electronics, xbox/ps3 game systems and games, ipods etc when they are technically classified as homeless. The younger children were asking for things like soccer balls, barbies and tea sets.

On another note I recall an episode of Dateline a few years back where they donated toys, electronics and other items to various charities (including toys for tots) in New York and placed tracking devices in the items to see if what they gave really made it into the hands of the less fortunate. Sadly many of the more expensive items did not, some of the 1st level distributors kept the items before they ever made it to the next level of distribution, and some higher value items were returned to stores so that the charity could purchase 5 times the amount of lower priced toys to in theory help more people.... yet there were even questions about where all that money went.

So I would say if you were adopting a particular child for Christmas and were able to be certain that the higher end item was given to him then yes, go for it. Otherwise I would stick with lower value items that have a wider range of enjoyment and could be given to a wider range of kids who would be happy with just about anything!!

In both giving items, and shopping for items with donated money.  I understand and appreciate our question.   Young boys cannot get enough quality (not premium) sports equipment.  Footballs, Basketballs, Soccer Balls.... Gloves, Bats, Baseballs....

The young ladies tend to be (I know this is generalization) more conscious of social items, i.e. fashionable items.  Good quality and colorful backpacks, Hair products, Hair/clothing accessories, and quality NEW casual clothing (Gap, Old Navy etc)

In reality, you cannot go wrong in the act of giving, but I totally understand your wanting to maximize the impact of your gift.  When in doubt, contact the organization and ask them for direction as they will know their needs and the needs of their kids the best.

Thank you Thank you Thank you

I love Toys for Tots!  Great charity!  In my particular area, there is usually more demand than help available, so I always try to maximize my donation.  While I do dislike just buying toys - what we all have to remember is that for a lot of KIDS, a toy at Christmas means everything - and that's ok.  I usually take my nieces and nephews with me to pick out what's "cool".  Regardless, if you have this charity in your neighborhood, please help.  It may only be a $10 toy to you, but it means the world to a child

Do you know these kids or is this a random act of kindness?  I sent the American
Mercian Girl doll catalogue home before Xmas, and man, did I have some happy nieces!  My nephew picked out Scooby Doo toys from the toys are Us catalogue.  I like giving them choices.  

Forgive my typos this auto correct on my iPad makes me nuts.

C