‘They want a Barbie for their baby’: Thrift stores encourage toy donations before holidays

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – This time of year, thrift stores are starting to see shoppers who want to get a head start on holiday shopping.

With toys pricier than ever, parents and grandparents are not only looking for affordable toys but are also helping other families by donating toys.

At Abundantly More thrift store in Lincoln, that’s exactly what Lynn Burrows is doing for the families who donate their gently used toys to her store.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for toys and games rose to record levels in May and are expected to keep climbing.

Burrows says it is part of what fuels her and her husband’s mission: To provide affordable items for those struggling, like parents trying to buy toys for their children this holiday.

“We help those who have no means, sometimes they have no money, so we’ll just give them half price or really cheap, because they’re a family. They want a Barbie for their baby, so you know, we’ll give you a deal,” said Burrows.

For grandfather Doug Kasal, a deal is always good, but donating is even more meaningful.

“My kids, I bought them lots of gifts and prizes from thrift stores, so now, I sneak them in for my grandkids,” he said, adding that he also donates the toys they are done with.

“I try to get them out of my house, so I give them to Goodwill and thrift stores all the time,” said Kasal.

Kasal’s partner and fellow thrift shopper, Melode Van Adkerix, advocates for reusing and recycling items.

“You can’t keep everything that was given to you, so you might as well pass it on and let someone else enjoy it too,” she said.

Kasal says, once they are all dropped off, “I like to go back in and see what they put for a price tag on it.”

For those who may not want to part with their gently used toys, Burrows says you can always take a picture of them to hold on to the memory.

She says donating the gift will bring new life to a child who will cherish it come Christmas.