Remember the joy you had as a child when you got a new toy? Unfortunately, not all children can experience that joy, which is where Second Chance Toys comes in. They are a non-profit organization committed to giving gently used toys to local children's charities. With the help of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, they are able to transport toys from the toy collection centers to local charities, such as Community Outreach Services, New Jersey Community Development Center, and many more. Second Chance Toys and 1-800-GOT-JUNK? not only help make a difference in a child’s life, but also help our environment by keeping non biodegradable plastics out of the landfill.
The partnership between 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and Second Chance Toys all started when Drew Trautman, Franchise Partner of New Jersey North East, was looking for a place to donate toys that had been collected at a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? job. That’s when he found out about Second Chance Toys; a newly formed organization that needed help transporting toys to charities - it was a perfect fit!
Since then, this partnership has helped deliver over 411,000 toys, diverting over 1.56 million pounds of plastic! 1-800-GOT-JUNK? delivers 90% of the toys for Second Chance Toys to charities. The amount of participating 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchises has grown from one, to now include approximately 25 franchises in the United States. Franchises in California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia, Connecticut, Minnesota, and DC, have all participated throughout the years. We’ve even had a franchise in Australia help out! Currently, all five franchises that operate in New Jersey are participating in a massive statewide toy drive.
When asked about the partnership with 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Zoe Cook-Nadel, the Director of Second Chance Toys, said, "Over the years 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has and continues to be so close to the heart of the Second Chance Toys mission… Truck Team Members and managers are always so eager and excited to participate in our toy drives, taking care of the lifting and transportation of thousands of pre-loved toys, delivering them directly to kids in need the same day. We couldn't possibly divert this much plastic from landfills without 1-800-GOT-JUNK?'s constant support, spacious trucks, and true devotion to the state of our environment."
In the spring of 2023, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and Second Chance Toys will work together on one of their biggest toy drives yet! On May 3, 2023, participating 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchises will deliver their haul of gently-used toys to organizations across the country, so the toys can be distributed to children coast to coast. We can’t wait to bring joy to families all over, and save these toys from the landfill!
Want to know how you can get involved? Second Chance Toys holds two donation drives every year. One in April for Earth month, and again in November and December for the holidays. If you live in the New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia or Virginia area, check out Second Chance Toys’ drop off locations. If you don’t live in an existing drop off location, consider signing up as a collector, then Second Chance Toys can match you with a charitable organization in your community. In addition to donating toys, there are many other ways you can help out, such as volunteering, contributing financially, or opening a toy collection location.
