I am looking for places to donate used stuffed animals. My kids love them and always ask for them for holidays, birthdays, etc. I have tried to ask people not to get them new ones, but the kids love them and some people can't NOT get them new animals. I weed out the collection when they're not home, and have a couple of garbage bags full of animals that they have forgotten about. They're in good shape, and I am sure that some children would love to have them.
Try police and fire departments for kids of crime or fires in homes, a stuffed animal is a good comfort for them. Also, animal shelters use stuffed animals for kittens and puppies that have lost their mom's early on, the soft squishy thing in the corner is as close to a warm mommy as they can get. Homeless shelters and battered shelters are good, sometimes children leave their homes at a moments notice, with nothing to be able to bring with them. You might also try freecycle, you can weed out the people who respond and give to a worthy cause.
Make sure they are clean and look new, nothing makes someone who is down on their luck feel worse, than a grungy used item. Not saying that they are, it's just a blanket statement. I've experienced having "less than" and it's not a good feeling to have to take "charity" let alone charity that is gross.
Good luck and bless you for thinking of others instead of just donating right away. (02/25/2007)
By Michawn
The churches are a good place, some have fall festivals or vacation bible schools that require prizes. A local shelter would be another idea. (02/27/2007)
By
I wonder if the hospitals may take them? They will take toys here at the hospitals. There again they need to be clean I would think. Try calling a few of them. (02/27/2007)
By
In our area the ambulance service collects them to give to children who are scarred by some trauma or emergency close at hand. (02/27/2007)
By Beverly
I donate my girls stuffies they no longer want to a home for the Elderly. They use them as prizes for bingo etc. (02/27/2007)
By melfrmny
The Church of the Nazarene makes "Crises Care Kits" that are given to people in need. They include a small stuffed animal (think beany baby size) in each kit. You can call a local church and ask if they need them. Loretta (02/27/2007)
By LorettaB
I have given stuffed animals to policemen. They give them to children who are victims or kids of criminals, just call your police station. (02/27/2007)
By sandy
That is great that you are wanting to donate them to charity. I have a suggestion but don't know if they have it in your area. You can look them up online. They are called Newborns in Need. A girlfriend in Wyoming is Vice President of her chapter and they get all they can find that are clean and kept up.
Good luck. (02/27/2007)
By Michele
My brother is on a fire department and he said they use stuffed animals all the time to give to kids. If no one will donate them they have to buy them and that takes away from their equipment budget. So call your local fire department! (02/27/2007)
By Cathy
I usually wash and dry them and put them in a nice big bag with a fabric softener sheet and donate them to the goodwill, definitely some children will get them, also we have a church operated thrift shop that are always in need of anything. (02/27/2007)
By Barbara
I know this has already been suggested but donate them to the Fire Dept./EMS. My girls were involved in a serious accident when they were younger and they were both given stuffed animals. My older daughter still has hers 5 years later and remembers being given it by the EMS in the hospital. (02/28/2007)
By Ann
I work with the mentally retarded. They are quite fond of stuffed animals. Consider calling your county board of mental retardation/developmental disabilities. They could probably also accept other items. (03/01/2007)
By crazypete
Project Night Night takes used stuffed animals BUT they have to be in VERY good condition - check out their website:
http://www.projectnightnight.org/
(06/05/2008)
By Yetzer
There are a lot of good suggestions here http://www.ehow.com/how_2129559_.html
(10/07/2008)
By Addie
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