While she was a high school teen in 2006, Mountainside native Sasha Lipton got the idea for an organization that could benefit needy children and the environment at the same time.

What's so great about the Garden State? Tell us by using the form at the end of this report.

Facebook
Facebook
loading...

Lipton noticed a disturbing trend in surrounding neighborhoods and towns.

"I thought it was really sad that people were literally throwing away toys that another child in a town not too far away could have used," she said.

It dawned on her that many children could use these toys, which were in good shape. There were also the ramifications that the disposing of plastic toys was having on the landfills.

"I started by just picking up toys from the curb and bringing them back to my house," she explained.

With that, Second Chance Toy was born.

"It's such a simple idea that resonates with so many people," Lipton said.

In that span from the summer of 2006 until now, Second Chance Toys has donated nearly 150,000 toys. The charity has grown to all corners of the country, with over 125 collection sites nationally.

The charity provides the logistics to help encourage others to form chapters of Second Chance Toys, as well as facilitates the collection sites, which take place during the holidays and again in the spring.

"I think a lot of people are looking to get rid of toys that their children have outgrown, especially during the holidays," she said.

Lipton believes the initiative is a common sense one to help spread some holiday cheer and aid in children's development, while benefiting the environment.

"The overall goal is to just keep as many toys as possible out of landfills, and make sure they are going into the hands of children."

Learn more about this great New Jersey charity and how you can help by visiting the Second Chance Toys website and Facebook page.

More Good News

American Lung Association Vehicle Donation Program

The American Lung Association Vehicle Donation Program allows New Jerseyans to donate unwanted vehicles for a possible tax deduction. The program accepts trucks, cars, vans, motorcycles, motor homes and boats.

The donations help support lung health programs throughout New Jersey. The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. For more information about the donation program, visit their website.

Jersey Cares

Do you have a winter coat you can donate to someone in need? Jersey Cares, a nonprofit organization that partners with local nonprofits to identify needs and implement volunteer projects to meet those needs, is collecting winter coats for its 18th annual coat drive.

The organization hopes to collect 60,000 jackets for men, women and children of New Jersey. The drive runs through February. For more information, go to www.jerseycares.org.

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM