How to Donate Stuffed Animals in Augusta, Maine
Stuffed animals aren't just a collector's item these days, nor a plush alternative to an expensive child's toy. As they have been for many years, stuffed animals are cherished by their owners, passed along from parents to children, and many times over have been donated to those in need. Anyone looking to give stuffed animals to emergency organizations in Augusta, Maine should know who to contact. Most importantly, embrace the knowledge the stuffed animals most will likely be sent directly to children in stressful, emotional or traumatic situations.
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Instructions
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Contact the Maine General Medical Center of Augusta regarding stuffed animal donations to Children's Services and Pediatrics, as well as Children's Clinics outpatient services. Volunteer services can be reached by calling 207-626-1243, or you can write to the Maine General Health Office of Philanthropy at 10 Water Street, Suite 309, P.O. Box 828 Waterville, Maine 04903. Be sure to ask about size limits on donations, as well as the hospital's restrictions on the donations of used stuffed animals, as these could carry and spread germs and diseases.
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Call the Maine State Police Troop D in Augusta and ask about its policy in regard to stuffed animal donations. These stuffed animals often will be given to accident or trauma victims, as well as children involved in domestic disputes and other incidents. Troop D Barracks is located at 36 Hospital Street in Augusta, and the toll-free phone number is 1-800-452-4664.
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Research shelters, group homes and outreach programs in Augusta such as Bread of Life Ministries. This is a non-profit organization serving anyone struggling to meet the basic necessities of life. Its clients often include homeless and needy families with children, and donations of any kind are almost always encouraged.
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Ask about local charities in the Augusta, Maine area that may be participating in stuffed animal donations. Project Smile is an organization that donates stuffed animals to police and fire departments, and has recently launched the Operation Elder Care program, which provides stuffed animals to elderly people who are making the transition to life in a nursing home. Project Smile is looking for anyone who may want to start a local chapter, and more contact information can be found online.
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Visit the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, which should be able to provide a detailed list of service and social organizations accepting stuffed animal donations. The website also has information on the annual Teddy Toss, an event taking place during a local hockey game in which fans toss stuffed toys onto the ice to celebrate a goal. The stuffed toys are collected and donated to local children's charities.
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Tips & Warnings
Animal shelters also accept stuffed animal donations for dogs to play with. Good donations include stuffed animals you cannot get clean, and thus would not be suitable for donating to a child.
If you are considering donating gently used stuffed animals, they need to be in good condition. If they are falling apart, have stains, odors or tears or are old and well worn, they should not be donated.
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Resources
- Photo Credit stuffed bear image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
