I want to donate toys and clothing to shelters and orphanages? Where and how can I do this?

I would actually stay away from the red cross. There has been various articles about the money that goes in but not as much goes out. The ceo gets a huge salary each year. What I would recommend doing is either contacting a local church and finding out if they are involved with any community outreach programs, most are. If you don't feel like contacting a church then try going into some of the local shelters/ outreach places in your area. See what there protocol is. Some shelters besides goodwill have 2nd stores to raise money for the needy. If you go in there first you can get a good vibe if these people are doing this out of the goodness of their hearts or not. Ask them will your donated items be sold or can they be given directly to the needy.