How to Donate Stuffed Animals to Children's Hospital

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Children's hospitals always welcome donations of new toys and stuffed animals for their patients. Hospitals use these toys in waiting rooms, patient lounges or the emergency unit. Most hospitals will not accept used stuffed animals, as these could carry germs and spread infectious diseases.

Things You'll Need

• New stuff animals

Instructions

1. Contact your local children's hospital and ask about its policy on donating stuffed animals. You may also find this information on the hospital's website under "gifts in kind." Ask if there is a form to fill out, size limits and where to deliver your stuffed animals.

2. Gather new stuffed animals with the help of friends, neighbors or school youth groups. The size of the donation doesn't matter, hospitals will gladly accept donations of any size.

3. Collect stuffed animals in a plastic bag to keep them clean during delivery.

4. If working with a youth group, ask for children to volunteer to help deliver the stuffed animals. Take a picture outside the hospital with your donation for use in your group's newsletter or as a press release to your local paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Only donate new stuffed animals. Hospitals also accept donations of board games, craft items and toys. Other charities may accept gently used stuffed animals---check your local fire and police departments.

Resources

• Read this Article in UK English
• St. Louis Children's Hospital wish list
• SAFE accepts used stuffed animals