I don't think the SA would reject a donation like this. TfT may...

I can't think of a more uncool doll than one that tries to teach you history and preach about the bible. Bleh.
:D

No kidding. What age would be appropriate for this type of 'toy'?

I wonder who donated them?? Why? Were they not selling? {tax write-off}

Or was it a group that wants to make sure kids have these to play and learn with? I know the kids grandpa gave them a religious book/tape for Christmas one year. Not only was it inappropriately age related but we have different religious beliefs.

I would guess that would be a big reason to not give them out, so many beliefs, how can you pinpoint the right people to receive them? Just put them out and let people take what they want?

It was Toys for Tots not the Salvation Army Link

Frankly I wouldn't give to Toys for Tots anyhow. Don't get me wrong - I think the dolls are lame. But around here the Toys for Tots acceptible/not acceptible lists are so restrictive - they basically only want *the* coolest, most expensive toys. And I know that no kid wants a dorky talking Jesus doll, but I can't afford to buy *myself* an xbox - much less give one away. Plus, with the expensive toys, I always worry about the parents selling them. And not just for drugs, although I confess I worry about that, too. But heck, an xbox = gobs and gobs of ramen, a warm coat, etc... I prefer to do the adopt-a-family stuff where there's a need and a want item for everyone, and the requests are specific.

Same here. I used to, until I worked more closely with them while doing a toy drive during our nightly newscasts at the TV station where I used to work. It turns out that they sort the toys, then put 3-4 in a black garbage bag, label it with the age range and gender, and just hand it to the kid. No gift wrap, no choice, nothing. :( I just think they need to add an element of "care" to it, rather than "here's some stuff, now run along". So, I usually support SA's adopt-a-family or Angel Tree programs. I can wrap the stuff, and also attempt to fill the child's wish list.

The only reason I give to Toys For Tots is free tickets to Knott's/Six Flags...

The last few times, I gave the toys, then gave the tickets to somebody else.

very likey the main cause of rejecting these items. people are so overly sensitive anymore...especially if they figure they can make a buck from it, that no one is willing to take such a risk. even if it means not accepting that which in all other ways is perfectly appropriate

Adopting families is good. I use this for toy donations. More often than not, the requests are of a nominal cost based on what my2frontteeth can do, so that means I can give more gifts (meaning more than one kid) and the wishes come from the kids themselves.

I'm kind of glad it was TfT and not SA that rejected the toys. SA has never been shy about their affliliations.

I agree, with Prudence:

Hijacked from the Pagan Sabbat of Yule (the Winter Solstice). Actually has no basis for timing in Christianity other than to make converting the filthy Pagans to Christianity during the Crusades a little easier. Most Christian holidays are based on the timing of Pagan Sabbats.

But I digress.