Where to Donate Toys in Zurich
During this time of year, we often get questions about where to donate toys. We’ve put together a list of seasonal initiatives as well as local charity-focused, second-hand stores that take toys all year round. If you know of other ways to donate toys this holiday season or any time of year, we’d love to hear about it! Send an email to amanda@zharity.ch.
Seasonal Events
Züri Schenkt collects gifts - including toys - for refugees and asylum seekers living in Zurich. Gifts for children (4-12 years) should be wrapped in red paper and include a winter hat, coloring pencils, and a gender neutral toy. They ask that each package includes an attached card with words of welcome (in German or English). New items or items in newly-bought condition are welcome. The collection continues through 18.December. Drop-off points are located around Zurich and can be found on their website.
Each year, Swiss toy store Franz Karl Weber organizes a “Schlitten der Freundschaft” at many locations. All donations go to children served by Caritas.
Zharity is proud to continue collaborating with Caritas and local service organizations to create the Caritas Gift Exchange, a chance for kids to join in giving and receiving gifts. Children may choose two of their toys to donate to the exchange. They may then pick a donated toy for themselves as well as pass on the joy of choosing a toy to another child. The donation window closes 2.December and the Gift Exchange is 11.December from 14.00-16.00 at Kirche auf der Egg, Auf der Egg 11, 8038 Zürich.
Ongoing Toy Collections
Helfen Sie Helfen provides in-kind donations to people in need across the globe. Through their ongoing collection program you can donate baby toys and stuffed animals. Donations may be mailed or brought to their Hüttikon location. The ask for a donation of 3 CHF/box to cover shipping costs.
Second-Hand Stores with a Charitable Mission
Arche Brockenhaus takes toys year around. A part of Arche Zürich, an organization serving people in need through a range of social services, the Brockenhaus offers work and training opportunities. Open every day but Sunday.
Brokids supports training and development programming for children and adolescents in Switzerland. They take of range of children’s items, including children’s bikes, Bobby cars, scooters, toys, games, and children’s books. Locations are in Zurich-Seebach, Regensdorf, and Opfikon-Glattbrugg. See their website for a full list of accepted items and information for each collection point.
Chrampschopf, a second-hand store in Zollikon that donates proceeds to charitable groups, takes toy donations each Saturday from 9.30 - 15.45. A volunteer will go through your items to make sure that they are all salable.
The Heils-Armee Brocki accepts toy donations year-round at their Hardbrücke location. They are open every day but Sunday and Monday.