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FAQ
1. Do's
Donate New and Unopened Items
Ensure all toys meet Australian Safety Standards. Items must be brand new, unopened, and with tags still attached to ensure safety and hygiene for children.
Prioritize Safety
Donate age-appropriate items without small detachable parts or button batteries to prevent choking hazards.
Consider Popular Items
Examples include:
Babies (0–2 years): Rattles, sensory toys, baby books.
Toddlers (3–5 years): Play-Doh, Duplo, dolls, imaginative play toys.
School-aged Children (6–11 years): Lego, board games, science kits.
Adolescents (12+ years): Gift vouchers, headphones, arts and craft kits.
Think of Special Needs
Suggested items include pillow pets, sensory toys, musical toys, and mood lights.
Be COVID Safe
Handle toys with clean hands, ensure you’re healthy, and follow safety guidelines when preparing and delivering donations.
Pre-Arrange Drop-Offs
Contact the designated staff at the hospital to schedule a drop-off. Use the provided contact details to confirm the time and location.
Consider Gift Cards
Popular choices include major retailers and toy stores. These allow families to choose the perfect gifts for their children.
Include Arts and Crafts
Items like coloring books, kinetic sand, craft kits, and mindfulness activity books are always appreciated.
Don'ts
No Second-hand or Used Toys
These cannot be accepted due to hygiene and safety concerns.
Avoid Stuffed Toys That Are Used or Large
Soft toys must be new and manageable in size to maintain cleanliness.
Do Not Donate Items That Resemble Weapons
Toys like Nerf guns, swords, or anything similar are strictly prohibited.
No Controversial, Political, or Religious Items
Gifts must be neutral and suitable for all children regardless of background or beliefs.
Avoid Items With Button Batteries
These pose significant safety risks and are not accepted.
Do Not Drop Off Without Booking
Unscheduled donations may not be accepted due to hospital protocols. Always book in advance.
Avoid Coming if Unwell
To protect the health of the patients and staff, do not visit if you are unwell or have been exposed to illness.
2. Can I donate used toys?
Unfortunately, we can only accept new toys to ensure all gifts meet safety and hygiene standards.
3. Are there any toys you can’t accept?
Yes, we cannot accept:
Toy weapons or items with sharp edges
Toys that require batteries (unless batteries are included)
Items that are not age-appropriate for children under 12
4. Where can I drop off my donation?
You can drop off your donation at one of our participating IGA locations. Check out the full list of stores [here].
5. How do I register my donation?
Simply fill out the form on this page to register your gift. This helps us keep track of donations and plan for delivery.
6. Will I see the impact of my donation?
Yes! We’ll share updates throughout the campaign and a special finale video showing the toys being delivered to the hospital.
7. Can I donate money instead of toys?
Yes, you can do so via https://www.schf.org.au/xmas
8. Who benefits from these donations?
The toys will be delivered to children at the Children’s hospitals at Westmead and Randwick who may be spending the holidays away from home.
Examples of Great Gifts
Need inspiration? Here are some ideas:
For toddlers (2-4 years): Soft building blocks, shape sorters, musical toys.
For kids (5-7 years): LEGO kits, art supplies, playsets.
For tweens (8-12 years): Board games, science kits, chapter books, sports gear.