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How To Donate Gently Used Puzzles And Games
Gently used puzzles and games can bring families, children, and teens together while giving useful items a second life. When donated in good condition, they may support fundraising efforts that help the Crestline Library provide books, materials, and educational programs.
Before packing a game or puzzle, take a few minutes to inspect it, clean it, and confirm that the important pieces are included. A complete, presentable donation is easier for volunteers to sort, price, and offer to the community.
The Crestline Friends of the Library supports the library through memberships, events, and charitable contributions. Visit the Friends of the Library website for current information about donation activities, meeting details, and ways to support local readers.
Choose Items People Will Enjoy
Start with puzzles and games that are clean, usable, and suitable for a broad range of ages. Jigsaw puzzles should have a secure box and, ideally, all pieces. Board games should include the board, cards, playing pieces, dice, instructions, and any other components needed to play.
Consider donating family games, children’s activities, strategy games, card games, educational kits, and puzzles with appealing artwork. Items that encourage problem-solving, reading, counting, cooperation, or creative thinking can be especially valuable in a library-centered community.
Avoid donating anything with mold, strong odors, water damage, broken packaging, sharp edges, or missing essential parts. A game that cannot be played easily may require more volunteer time than it is worth and may not be suitable for resale.
Clean And Organize Every Donation
Wipe plastic pieces, game boards, and box surfaces with a slightly damp cloth, then allow everything to dry completely. Keep cardboard components away from excess moisture. If a box is dusty or torn, reinforce it carefully with removable tape rather than wrapping the entire item in paper.
Place small pieces in a sealed bag inside the original box. Group cards with a rubber band or paper band, and include the instruction booklet whenever possible. If you know a component is missing but the activity remains playable, label the box clearly instead of leaving volunteers to discover the issue later.
Check Condition Before You Give
A quick test makes the donation process smoother. Assemble a puzzle, shuffle the cards, open the game board, or compare the contents with the manufacturer’s parts list. Write the piece count or a brief condition note on an index card if the item is difficult to inspect at a glance.
| Item Type | Helpful Preparation | Usually Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Jigsaw puzzle | Secure box and verified pieces | Missing pieces or warped sections |
| Board game | Complete components and rules | Broken boards or unusable tokens |
| Card game | Cards grouped and clean | Stained, bent, or incomplete decks |
| Children’s activity | Safe parts and clear instructions | Damaged pieces or recalled products |
Think about age recommendations and safety as well. Remove batteries from electronic toys, check for loose parts, and do not donate items that could present a choking hazard to young children. Current, complete items are more likely to benefit a fundraising sale.
Coordinate Drop-Off Details
Donation procedures can vary depending on storage space, upcoming events, and volunteer availability. Check the Friends’ website or contact the organization before bringing several boxes. Ask about accepted categories, drop-off times, and whether puzzles and games are being collected for a particular sale.
The annual Memorial Day Book Sale is a major fundraising activity, but space and sorting schedules may change from year to year. Delivering items during an approved window helps volunteers prepare merchandise efficiently and keeps donations from being left unattended.
Support Young Readers Alongside Games
Puzzles and games can complement library materials by creating opportunities for social learning and screen-free recreation. A successful fundraiser may help expand collections, support activities, and provide resources for children and teens. The library’s teen reading needs also show why community support matters beyond the children’s shelves.
If you have books, craft supplies, or other useful materials to offer, ask whether those donations fit current priorities. Donating thoughtfully allows volunteers to focus funds and effort on items that meet real community needs.
Make Giving A Community Habit
A single box is helpful, and a regular household sorting routine can make giving easier. Set aside a small container for games and puzzles that are no longer used, then review it before holidays, birthdays, or seasonal cleanouts.
- Check every box before donating.
- Clean and secure small components.
- Label incomplete items honestly.
- Confirm drop-off instructions in advance.
- Share library fundraising information with neighbors and friends.
People who want a deeper role can learn more through the organization’s board information. Volunteers, members, event helpers, and donors all contribute in different ways.
Put complete, clean puzzles and games aside today, then contact Crestline Friends of the Library through its website to arrange an appropriate donation. Your unused items can help fund library services and give local families more opportunities to learn, play, and connect.