How to Donate Stuffed Animals to Children

Donate stuffed animals to children who could benefit from a special friend during a difficult time.

Donating items to underprivileged or ill children can make a difference in a child's life and possibly help him get through a tough time slightly easier. There are various charities that accept stuffed animal donations. Some only accept new animals, while others accept gently used and new animals. Avoid donating stuffed animals that have been heavily used, damaged or soiled. Include your young children or grandchildren in the donation process, if applicable, to teach them the value of giving to others.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda, fabric cleaner or rubbing alcohol
• Laundry detergent (if necessary)
• Pillow case or laundry bag (if necessary)
• Hair dryer (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash used stuffed animals according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't have the instructions, sprinkle baking soda on the animals and brush it off after 15 minutes, spot-clean the animals with a fabric cleaner or use rubbing alcohol. Use your washing machine as a last resort, putting the animals in a pillow case or laundry bag and selecting the delicate cycle. Skip this step if the stuffed animals are new.

2. Allow the stuffed animals to air-dry. If you need to dry the animals faster, use low heat from a hair dryer.

3. Select a charity or organization you would like to use to donate the stuffed animals. Some women's shelters, homeless shelters, social services offices, hospitals, police stations and fire stations accept donations as well. They keep the stuffed animals on hand to help traumatized children who come through their doors during a crisis. Other organizations, such as Project Night Night and Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE) collect new or gently used stuffed animals to distribute to homeless children or agencies that help children during emergencies.

4. Call the organization or agency to which you want to donate or send an email to determine where you can drop off or send your donation.

References

• Project Night Night: Product Drop-Off or Mail Locations
• Stuffed Animals for Emergencies: How to Donate
• Pet Care Tips: How You Can Effectively Clean Stuffed Animals

Resources

• Mushy Mates