Here's a tale of a gamer who works in a children's home using gaming, painting minis and building scenery to engage the kids:
http://www.frothersunite.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=38125All from donated figures, brushes and paints.
Schools would be happy to receive figures, if you know any teachers (positive and constructive spin - remember it's a bit of maths, reading, teaching co-operation and socialisation, crafts like painting, not showing kids how to slaughter "greenskins").
There are also community programmes and charities near me that have taken stuff in the past. Even if they don't use them, they can sell them on eBay - their call once they have the stuff.