Almost 30 million children in US alone live in low income families. All children need books and toys to learn through play and have a joyful, healthy and productive childhood. Playing is necessary for the development of motor skills and brain growth. Without games and toys children are more likely to get bored and adopt negative behavior.

When you donate a toy to a child in need, you don't just give them a toy, but hope and inspiration. You also provide a positive outlet for child's energy and creativity and boost their self-esteem. Children in hospitals all around the world would love to receive a toy, book or a game to make the days go faster and help cope with the sometimes dull and even painful procedures.

To donate a toy to a child in need, take it to a social service agency or homeless shelter near your home. During holidays you can take toys to Salvation Army or in US to Toys for Tots. You can also donate board games to a children's hospital near you or make a donation through the Toy Bank who distributes toys to children living in poverty, rescued from abuse, seeking treatment for chronic illnesses, and going through many other difficult situations in US and Canada.

If your own children receive a lot of presents every year for holidays or birthdays, teach them compassion and sharing by starting a tradition of giving one (or more) of their gifts to less fortunate children.