How do you explain donating toys to a child that believes in Santa?

Question

I need some help here. My 3 year old has been checking Walmart/Amazon catalogues for the past weeks and is narrowing down her wishlist for Santa this year. The other day I told her that if she wanted all those new toys we should go over her old toys and find the ones she’s outgrown/doesn’t like anymore to give to other kids. Today she surprised me by making a big toy collection in the living room and telling me that those are for the other kids. I felt like, yay, she got it, and was really proud. But then it was time for bed and she asked me “but why doesn’t Santa bring toys to those other kids?”. And I didn’t have an answer. I mean she does get gifts from Santa (usually the 4; and not expensive ones), and then one or two big ones from us. But she also gets lots of toys from family, that they say Santa left in their house for her. So how do I explain this to her? I told her it was too late and we’ll talk tomorrow...
Should I tell her that the gifts for the other kids are not related to Christmas and just to make space? But I think that would make it less special for her. I just don’t know

Answer

Tell her not all kids family can afford presents and Santa can only bring a few to each child so this way the kids can get more presents that the parents can't buy

Answer

We do it like “it is a season of giving for everyone, not just santa. Mommy, daddy and now the big boys and girls in the family should be making an effort to give to each other and those who have less! I think it is a nice, age appropriate way to teach them humility and thankfulness in a way they can understand and enjoy

Answer

Thanks everyone! 
This morning I told her that Santa is super busy getting everyone the toys they asked for, and sometimes he just needs a little help from us, so everyone gets what they want for Christmas. She asked “so am I like one of his elves?”, and I said, yeah, in a way you are. Now she’s even more proud to be one of Santa’s little helpers ☺️

Answer

I tell my girl that Santa takes those to his workshop and fixes them up all shiny and new.  Then I tell her some of her toys used to belong to other kids that Santa fixed up too

Answer

Well, Santa doesn’t bring all the gifts! Mommies and daddies like to give gifts too, but sometimes they need help getting gifts.

Answer

It’s the season for giving! Some grandmas/grandpas or aunties/uncles don’t have money to buy gifts for their family. So we give back to our neighbors who may need a little help. That way they have the chance to gift toys too!