A Childhood's Worth of Toys

[Quince]

We're moving, and have a motherlode of well-cared-for high-end children's toys we would like to give away. We don't want them to go to the Goodwill if we know they could be going in a big haul to someone or ones who would love them and not have to pay for them.

Hook me up with your volunteer organization, church, living room? We'll drive what we can to you as long as you're in Knox or contiguous counties.

Thomas the Tank Engine thanks you.

[kag]

Where you movin'? Out of the swanky neighborhood?

[heyannie]

I think Knox Area Resue Ministries has a women's shelter, where they house mamas and their babies, in all age ranges. That would be a great place to send some quality stuff to, or maybe check with YMCA. Also, Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church has a storage unit where they house all sorts of furntiure, appliances and other household items, and toys, etc. to give away to people they run across that are in need, particularly single moms and/or battered women. There used to be a lady there named Kathy that handled all that.

[Quince]

Where you movin'? Out of the swanky neighborhood?

Chayup. Closer to the middle school.

[metulj]

We don't want them to go to the Goodwill if we know they could be going in a big haul to someone or ones who would love them and not have to pay for them.


It is hard to understand my dislike of Goodwill. Their approach to vintage clothing is as cynical as it gets. You take Grandma's collection of dresses to Goodwill after she kicks the bucket. You feel good about it. They take the dresses and, whoa, she has three little off-the-rack Chanel numbers from the '50s when she flitted about the dance floor at the local country club and a four or five Pucci print blouses or dresses. Those go to a seperate pile. Her everyday knockabout stuff that is worn out or a bit gnarly from just plain life, gets washed and pushed out on to the racks. The high-end merch gets moved out of your area by buyers who sell to outfits like Cheap Jack's or Beacon's Closet where it ends up priced into the stratosphere. On a vintage buying trip with the wife and all the designers that work for her, I saw an obviously well-used 'lil' black dress (some designer label that caused coos among the gathered) for $350. It was 30 years old (at least) and declared "fit to wear over jeans." Occasionally, you'll see a score on a Goodwill rack, but if and only if you are terribly lucky. Most great items are well-known to Goodwill as great items. Instead of getting 5 bucks for it they get $20. Capitalism? At a charity? I hope it goes to a good cause.

I don't know about toys. I'd wish I knew of a great charity that isn't going to plunk the stuff out on a retail shelf.

Then again, I am grumpy. I am smarting from a $$$$$$$ buying spree for maternity clothes for Joules. Yikes!!!

[Quince]

It is hard to understand my dislike of Goodwill.

No, it isn't. Especially now that you have pulled yet another veil away--for me, anyhow. Is it generally known that they sell to vintage brokers?

[Georgia]

I don't know about Goodwill but our Salvation Army would let antique dealers come in early on certain days and buy furniture.
Used to irk me-

I would see the owners of the local vintage clothing stores while I was in the thrift stores looking for cool clothes- so, I don't think they got preferential treatment.

[Tess]

They have to keep the doors open, I guess. I am not a big Goodwill fan, just because their customers do seem to be bargain hunters and not truly needy. If I've got clothes, etc. to donate, I usually take to one of the missions, or let the Habitat truck or Council for the Blind come and get them.

Nice of you to be thinking of others with the toys, Quince. What about some of those places that hide during the year, but really push for toys at Christmas?

[Gnaw Parker]

There's a charity that my mom volunteers for that gives clothes, books and toys to poor rural Appalachian children during Christmas. And I can't remember the name. Anyone know what it is?

[Gina]

There's a charity that my mom volunteers for that gives clothes, books and toys to poor rural Appalachian children during Christmas. And I can't remember the name. Anyone know what it is?

Is it Coker Creek? That is where my in-laws takes items around Christmas.

[chyna]

Mission of Hope? WBIR always does a special on them around Christmas.

[Tess]

And then again, I saw an ad on television this morning for a shop at the intersection of Downtown West and Kingston Pike (don't recall name) that will buy your gently used toys and children's clothes.

[chyna]

And then again, I saw an ad on television this morning for a shop at the intersection of Downtown West and Kingston Pike (don't recall name) that will buy your gently used toys and children's clothes.

Once Upon a Child. I sold something there once, and they were a little rude. But, they do have a good selection and they'll pay you something like 25% of the value of an item as long as it is in like new condition and contains all of the parts/accessories.

[straps]

They have to keep the doors open, I guess. I am not a big Goodwill fan, just because their customers do seem to be bargain hunters and not truly needy. If I've got clothes, etc. to donate, I usually take to one of the missions, or let the Habitat truck or Council for the Blind come and get them.

Nice of you to be thinking of others with the toys, Quince. What about some of those places that hide during the year, but really push for toys at Christmas?

Goodwill thrift stores aren't for providing for the needy. Goodwill's mission is to raise money for their job placement program. From the Goodwill website:

"We are one of the world’s largest nonprofit providers of education, training, and career services for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Last year, local Goodwills collectively provided employment and training services to more than 720,000 individuals."

Goodwill's mission statement is:

"Goodwill Industries will enhance the quality and dignity of life for individuals, families, and communities on a global basis, through the power of work, by eliminating barriers to opportunity for people with special needs, and by facilitating empowerment, self-help, and service through dedicated, autonomous local organizations."

I really don't have a problem with them trying to make the most of what they can get.

NOW, Salvation Army's mission statement is as follows:

"The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.

Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."

SA's mission is not to help the needy and downtrodden either. Although they do provide a lot of charitable programs such as shelters, hurricane relief, etc. BUT, its only because thats what good evangelics do as part of their ministry. I don't have a problem with good things getting done, but as I am not a Christian, I don't see me wanting to donate to them.

Habitat for Humanity is also a Christian based group, but they don't focus on ministry and evangelicism.

"Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need." (from H for H website)

They seem to focus on the mission of building homes for whomever needs one. That's why I have no problem with donating to their store. That and its one of my favorite thrift stores in town, as far as selection goes. That and Jimmy Carter has a very infectious smile. But mostly cuz I like the store. Even though it smells kinda funny. But then again, they all smell kinda funny.

[Carl Snow]

a BIT off track ... but ... the thread-line made me pine for the old Metal Tonka-Toys of my youth ...

(mmm no wonder so many wimpy bands abound...plastic toys and no shooting each other w/ Daisy BB's...*sigh*)

[spinetingler]

(mmm no wonder so many wimpy bands abound...plastic toys and no shooting each other w/ Daisy BB's...*sigh*)

My dad just gave me a really nice bb/pellet pistol he had for some unknown reason.

I'm showing up at your next gig - who in the band needs toughening up?

Or should we go pepper some garage band?

[Carl Snow]

spinetingler
I'm showing up at your next gig - who in the band needs toughening up?

Or should we go pepper some garage band?

1- Me
2- Yeah that to!

[kag]

My dad just gave me a really nice bb/pellet pistol he had for some unknown reason.

Be careful with that thing!!! My friend's teenage son just accidentally shot his little brother in the eye with an airsoft gun a few days ago and now Harris may lose his vision in that eye.

(Insert requisite black humour about how it's funny 'til somebody loses an eye here....)

[jeffx]

if you've got any legos, i'll be glad to unburden you.

[Carl Snow]

if you've got any legos, i'll be glad to unburden you.

Lego’s pass the good toy test--ya can build stuff to smash with yer Tonka-Trucks and/or shoot with yer BB gun.
And as an added plus:
Lego’s can be easily scattered around the house for barefooted parents/friends/etc to step on and scream...

Five other GOOD toys.

-Original (had hair-measured 6" high) GI Joes...
The arms and legs can be pulled apart a little (or a LOT) due to the old rubber band things that held them together ... making it easy to pour ketchup inside them before shooting them with BB guns.
(If applicable, substitute someone else’s GI Joe, or better yet, Ken/Barbie)

-Lawn Darts
(Just add beer/etc)
...Nuff said

-Org. 'Green Army Men'
What child could resist catching them on fire and watching it "drip" with the molten plastic?

-M-80's
(*see 'toilet bomb' and Wrist-Rocket)

-Wrist-Rocket
Great for shooting marbles and semi-large stones at various moving and non-moving targets
...BEST used with M-80's or smoke bombs as 'ammunition'




(Insert requisite black humour about how it's funny 'til somebody loses an eye here....)

Done

[spinetingler]

-Wrist-Rocket
Great for shooting marbles and semi-large stones at various moving and non-moving targets
...BEST used with M-80's or smoke bombs as 'ammunition'


There are many a business window (assuming they haven't been replaced) in the greater blount county area that some little shithead that I, um, knew put marble-sized holes in.

[Carl Snow]

There are many a business window (assuming they haven't been replaced) in the greater blount county area that some little shithead that I, um, knew put marble-sized holes in.

and a few ...er ... -Wrist-Rocket-Firework-"frazzled" golfers at the old Dean Hill CC (Hole #1) that my friends Richard and Trey and... well just them, i mean, they were the evil kids (i was, as now 'a sweetie') shot at putters.
They even used Roman Candles a few times... or at least thats what I HEARD.




"those bastards!"-Kyle

[Georgia]

Ok. The threads already on a tangent-so, I can weigh in on the bb guns.

I loved my Daisy rifle.

I got it for my eleventh birthday... I had been taught to use my Dad's CO2 pistol up until then so the cock rifle was a good change for me.

From that day forward, there wasn't a tin can safe on a log down by the river.

[spinetingler]

Ok. The threads already on a tangent-so, I can weigh in on the bb guns.

I loved my Daisy rifle.

I got it for my eleventh birthday... I had been taught to use my Dad's CO2 pistol up until then so the cock rifle was a good change for me.

From that day forward, there wasn't a tin can safe on a log down by the river.


I wish that I still had mine. I've looked high and low for it.
My parents are clearing out the old family home, so maybe they'll stumble across it.

[~Rumormonger~]

My dad just gave me a really nice bb/pellet pistol

Careful (http://frogstar.soylentgeek.com/wav/shooteye.wav)!

[~Rumormonger~]

the cock rifle was a good change for me.

;~)

[pixeljockey]

i know a little boy who loves trains, trucks, wheels, planes, and eating crayons.

http://www.mindspring.com/~jscoffin/needy.JPG

(he isn't exactly needy but... desirey?)

give to this boy!!!! he is underprivileged! (in self-discipline)

don't make me use my sally strothers voice.

[Quince]

(he isn't exactly needy but... desirey?)..

Mmmm, Burnt Umber.

He's what we call "wanty" in my family. After overhearing some Crayolivores shriek that in Target: "Want-y! Want-y, Daddy! Want-y!"

Thanks to everyone who answered my initial post with such great suggestions.

I will be bringing a carfull of toys--both dangerous and benign, since thier legator has been raised in a bit of a parental sitcom, values-wise--to the Brewpub tomorrow evening, a Wednesday, after 5. Youns can come help yourselves, or PM me if you can't make it & still want stuf. The rest is going to the Foundation for Infant Counterterrorism (see Mazzerati on his daughter in Le Figaro:rolleyes: )