When you love a board game, it can be very hard to let it go, even when you haven’t played with it in years. Knowing that your games are going somewhere for other people to enjoy, however, can make the process a lot easier. Instead of letting those games gather dust, why not donate them to organizations and communities that can put them to good use?
Here’s a list of places that would love to receive your gently used board games, along with a little more about how your donation can make a difference.
Where Can I Donate Board Games?
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Family shelters
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Retirement homes
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Community centers
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Children’s hospitals
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Local library
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Board Games for the Better
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Goodwill
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Salvation Army
Family Shelters
Family shelters provide a safe haven for individuals and families escaping difficult situations such as domestic violence. For children and adults alike, board games can offer a much-needed distraction, a sense of normalcy, and a way to bond with others during a challenging time. Donating games to these shelters can help create moments of joy and connection for those who need it most.
Retirement Homes
Retirement homes and senior living communities are always looking for ways to keep residents engaged and entertained. Board games are a fantastic way to stimulate the mind, encourage social interaction, and bring a little fun into daily life. Games like chess, checkers, or even classic card games are especially popular and can help seniors stay active and connected.
Community Centers
Community centers serve as hubs for local activities, offering programs for people of all ages. Donating board games to these centers can provide families, teens, and children with opportunities to play, learn, and build relationships. Whether it’s a game night for adults or an after-school activity for kids, your donation can help strengthen community bonds.
Children’s Hospitals
Children’s hospitals often use play as a way to help young patients cope with illness and treatment. Board games can provide a welcome distraction from medical procedures, offering kids a chance to laugh, compete, and just be kids. Your donation could brighten a child’s day and make their hospital stay a little more enjoyable.
Local Library
Many local libraries have game collections that patrons can borrow, just like books. Donating board games to your library can help expand their offerings and provide free, accessible entertainment for families in your community. It’s a great way to support literacy and learning through play!
Board Games for the Better
Board Games for the Better is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the joy of board games to underserved communities. They accept donations of new and gently used games and distribute them to schools, shelters, and other organizations in need. Your donation can help spread the power of play to those who might not otherwise have access to board games.
Goodwill
Goodwill is a well-known nonprofit that accepts donations of all kinds, including board games. When you donate to Goodwill, your games are sold at affordable prices, and the proceeds go toward funding job training and community programs. It’s a win-win: your games find a new home, and your donation supports a great cause.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is another excellent option for donating board games. They use donations to support their wide range of community programs, including shelters, addiction recovery services, and youth programs. Your games could end up bringing joy to someone in need while supporting the Salvation Army’s mission to do good.
Why Donate Board Games?
Donating board games isn’t just about decluttering your home—it’s about sharing the joy of play with others. Whether it’s helping a child in a hospital forget their worries for a while, giving seniors a fun way to stay connected, or supporting a nonprofit’s mission, your donation can have a real impact. So, the next time you’re cleaning out your game closet, consider giving those games a second life. After all, the best board games are the ones that bring people together, no matter where they end up.
Tips for Donating Board Games
Donating board games is a wonderful way to share the joy of play with others, but a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your donation has the greatest impact. Here are some tips to make the process smooth and meaningful:
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Make sure the games are in good, playable condition.
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Ensure all pieces are included—missing components can make a game unusable.
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Clean the game box and pieces if needed (a quick wipe-down can make a big difference!).
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Don’t forget to include the rulebook or instructions. Without them, the game might be difficult to enjoy!
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If the instructions are missing, check online—many rulebooks are available as free PDFs from the manufacturer’s website.
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Use small bags or containers to keep game pieces together and prevent them from getting lost.
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Tape down any loose box lids to keep everything secure during transport.
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Contact the organization beforehand to confirm they accept board game donations.
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Choose games that are appropriate for the intended recipients. For example:
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Kids’ hospitals might appreciate bright, simple, and quick games.
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Retirement homes might prefer classic games like chess, checkers, or card games.
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Community centers might welcome a mix of family-friendly and strategy games.
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If you’re buying games specifically to donate, consider timeless classics like Carrom or games that encourage teamwork and creativity like Nok Hockey.
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Share your donation experience on social media to inspire others to do the same.
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Donate during the holiday season or before school breaks, when organizations often host events or need extra supplies.
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Check if the organization has specific donation drop-off hours or locations.
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Write a short note or card to accompany your donation, sharing why you love the game or wishing the recipients many hours of fun.
Where Can I Recycle Board Games?
Let’s face it—not every board game lasts forever. Pieces get lost, boxes get crushed, and sometimes, games just wear out. But before you toss that broken game in the trash, consider recycling it! Many components of board games, like cardboard, paper, and plastic, can be recycled or repurposed. Here’s how you can responsibly recycle your broken board games and keep them out of landfills.
Local Recycling Centers
Start by checking with your local recycling center to see what materials they accept. Most centers will take cardboard game boards and paper instructions, but rules for plastic pieces, dice, and other components can vary. If your recycling center doesn’t accept certain materials, they might be able to point you to a specialized facility that does.
TerraCycle
TerraCycle is a fantastic resource for recycling hard-to-recycle items, including board game components. They offer specialized recycling programs for toys and games, allowing you to send in broken or unwanted items for proper processing. While some programs may require a fee, it’s a small price to pay for keeping waste out of landfills and supporting sustainable practices.
Upcycle or Repurpose
If recycling isn’t an option, consider upcycling! Get creative and repurpose game pieces into something new. For example:
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Use game boards as art canvases or DIY projects.
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Turn playing cards into gift tags or bookmarks.
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Use dice, tokens, or figurines for crafts, jewelry, or even as teaching tools for kids.
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Upcycling not only keeps materials out of the trash but also gives your old games a fun, new purpose.
Donate Usable Parts
Even if a game is missing pieces or too damaged to play, some organizations might still be able to use its components. Schools, daycares, or art programs might welcome game pieces for crafts, educational activities, or spare parts for other games. Reach out to local organizations to see if they’re interested.
Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
Some board game manufacturers have take-back or recycling programs for their products. Check the company’s website or contact their customer service to see if they offer options for recycling broken games. This is especially common with eco-conscious brands.
E-Waste Recycling for Electronic Games
If you’re dealing with broken electronic board games or games with batteries, don’t forget about e-waste recycling. Many communities have e-waste collection events or facilities that can safely dispose of electronic components and batteries.
Need Something New to Replace Your Old Board Games?
So, you’ve cleared out your game closet and donated your old favorites—now what? It’s the perfect time to refresh your collection with something new and exciting! At The Carrom Company, we’ve got a fantastic selection of board games that are sure to bring hours of fun to your next game night.
Whether you’re looking for a timeless classic like Carrom, a strategic challenge, or a family-friendly game that everyone can enjoy, we’ve got you covered. Our collection is curated to bring people together, spark laughter, and create unforgettable memories.
