Yes! We accept gently-used car seat donations

In 2017, we were only able to fill 47% of car seat requests from the families we serve. Your donated car seats can help keep another child safe in car accidents, one of the leading causes of death and injury in children. We accept car seats that can be reused. Each donated seat is checked using a process designed by a Certified Car Seat technician to ensure its safety prior to redistribution.

Donated seats MUST meet the following requirements:

• For Infant Car Seats: Donated items must be at least 6 months from the expiration date. Expiration dates are typically 6 years after the manufacture date. This date is often located on either side or under the car seat on a sticker.
• For Convertible/Combination/ Booster Car Seats: Donated items must be at least 1 year from the expiration date. Expiration dates are typically 6 years after the manufacture date. This date is often located on either side or under the car seat on a sticker.
• Have not been in an accident. Please attach a note with your name and contact information including the following statement: “This car seat has not been involved in a vehicle accident.”
• Have not been washed with harsh chemicals, like bleach. Although we love to receive clean items, bleaching the straps impacts the webbing, as it easily frays, allowing children to come out of the seat in a crash.

In addition, whenever possible, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov to quickly review whether your seat has been recalled. You may be surprised. Many issues can be addressed by ordering a part (usually free of charge from the manufacturer). This individual effort on your part allows us to move items safely and quickly.

Why the restrictions?

Car seats are made of mostly plastic, which decomposes over time due to fluctuations in car temperatures, use, and rough handling. As it breaks down, the integrity of the seat is compromised. In some cases, it can actually do more harm than not being in a safety seat at all. At present we are unable to recycle unusable or expired car seats – we are currently working to establish a new partnership and will update once this option is available.