where to donate stuffed animals in good condition

by Johan Crooks DDS 3 min read

  • Local Charities. Police departments, fire departments, children's hospitals and homeless shelters often accept stuffed animals for donation.
  • SAFE. Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE) is a national charity that accepts used toys. SAFE's website can direct you to the nearest drop of location (see Resources).
  • Project Night Night. Mail or drop off stuffed animals at Project Night Night, a San Francisco-based organization dedicated to helping homeless children (see Resources).
  • Mushy Mates. Mushy Mates, located in Orlando, Florida, can help you find local places to donate stuffed animals, which are then passed on to foster care agencies (see Resources).
  • Cuddle Buddies

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Full Answer

Where can I Donate my gently used stuffed animals?

May 05, 2021 · Shelter homes that house children are also a good place where to donate stuffed animals. These facilities find it hard to prioritize procuring toys more than other children’s needs. You can contact one near you or contact your local social services to help you connect with a shelter where you can arrange your donations.

Where you can donate stuffed animals your kids have collected?

Not many places will accept used stuffed animals for donations/recycling. One worthwhile thing you can do with them is donate them to the Mavericks' soccer team which does the soccer kick at the Solano Stroll each year. They will take your stuffed animals (in very good condition) wash/dry them and give them away as prizes.

Does goodwill accept stuffed animals?

Fire fighters also will take stuffed animals, as will women's shelters. Sometimes the large local church (usually has a "First" in their name) has outreach programs and will accept stuffed animals, toys, small appliances and such.

Does goodwill take stuffed animal donations?

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What can you do with worn out stuffed animals?

We've got some excellent ideas for you, ranging from donating them, to repurposing them into handy items for around the home .Donate To Op Shops Or Not-for-profit Organisations.Donate To Emergency Services Or Hospitals.Donate To A Pet Shelter.Arrange A Swap With Family Or Friends.Hold A Garage Sale.More items...•Oct 24, 2020

Should I wash stuffed animals before donating?

They will accept new and gently used stuffed animals, children's clothes, children's books, blankets, books, and baby items (but any gently used donations must be washed before mailing or dropping off).

How do you clean stuffed animals before donating?

Anything you donate should be in good condition and as clean as you can get it. Most stuffed animals that do not contain plastic pellets can be tossed in a lingerie bag, washed on the delicate cycle using cold water and air-dried. When the toy is completely dry, fluff the fur with your fingers or a baby's hairbrush.Dec 12, 2019

Where can I put my stuffed animal collection?

4 Ways to Store and Display Your Stuffed Animal CollectionA toy hammock. A quick and easy way to store your stuffed animals is to set up a hammock in the corner of the room. ... Shelving. Shelves are great for storing and displaying lots of things, stuffed animals included. ... Baskets. ... A hanging bench.May 28, 2019

Does Matthew 25 take stuffed animals?

Matthew 25 Ministries - A big thank you to Jack for making such a generous donation—food, clothing, stuffed animals, and more! | Facebook.

How do you give away toys?

Here's Where to Donate Toys to Kids Who Need Them MostCharities. There are so many charities that will accept gently used toys and distribute them throughout their networks. ... Buy Nothing Groups. ... Hospitals. ... Children's Homes and Shelters. ... Daycare Centers. ... Police and Fire Departments. ... Churches. ... Recycling Programs.Oct 13, 2020

How do you upcycle stuffed animals?

Ways to Repurpose Stuffed Animals:Make a puppet. Turn your stuffed animal into fun and practical puppet! You will need a stuffed animal, old glove, and pair of scissors. ... Make a child's purse. This is so easy even a beginner can do it! ... Make a no sew stuffed animal scarf.

Can you give teddy bears to charity?

The Teddy Trust collects teddy bears from children around the UK and sends them to children who are suffering the traumas of war, starvation or abuse.

How do you clean a 30 year old stuffed animal?

Hand-washing stuffed animalsStep 1: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and detergent.Step 2: Wash using a pumping motion.Step 3: Let it soak for 30-60 minutes depending on its condition.Step 4: Rinse until free of suds.Step 5: Squeeze out any water and let it dry on a towel, using a hair dryer to fluff up the fur.May 21, 2019

How do you hang a stuffed animal net?

1:262:44EpicKids Stuffed Animal Hammock Installation Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you want to start thrust right here in the corner. The other quarter. And then your last one.MoreFirst you want to start thrust right here in the corner. The other quarter. And then your last one. Now you're ready to put your little cute little stuffed animals in here. So.

How do you hang stuffed animals from the ceiling?

Install the ceiling hooks according to the package directions.Hang the plastic chain on the hooks. Adjust the chain to the length of your liking.Clip the hooks onto the stuffed animals and hang on the chain. We did three vertical rows for the plush toy storage. Organize stuffed animals to your liking.Mar 5, 2020

How do you make a stuffed animal net?

0:236:00DIY - Stuffed Animal Storage Net/Hammock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna need self-adhesive hooks you can also use regular hooks. But I just don't like drillingMoreWe're gonna need self-adhesive hooks you can also use regular hooks. But I just don't like drilling in them in the wall so these are awesome because you remove them. And dating' no mark on the wall.

What Kinds of Stuffed Animals Can I Donate to Charity?

With all the birthdays and holidays, toys and stuffed animals start to pile up in the corners of the kids’ bedroom. You can invite your children an...

Which Charities accept My Stuffed Animal Donations?

Many charitable organizations will gladly collect your stuffed animal and children’s toy donations. DonationTown.org will help you find a charity i...

I Have Boxes and Boxes of Items to Donate! What Should I do?

DonationTown.org will help you connect with a charity in your area that will pick up your items from you at a convenient time. It is a fast, free s...

I Have Other Items to Donate to Charity, Too

Charities welcome a range of donations. Donate clothing, donate shoes, donate a dress, donate baby clothing and other baby items. Donate books, toy...

How to donate toys?

Ans: The process to donate toys is actually very simple. All you need to do is, locate an organization or charity that you wish to donate your toys to. You can check the credibility and background of the agency you are donating your toys to, before making the donation. Then, checking the eligibility criteria is a must.

What is the best thing about stuffed animals?

Stuffed animals are the dearest to kids. While growing up, these stuffed animals prove to be the best friends of children. They add an emotional value to the kids. But the less fortunate kids couldn’t possibly have the pleasure of playing with them.

Can you donate old stuffed animals?

Ans: The answer to this is very simple. You can donate stuffed toys that are old and of no use to you anymore. You can contact NPOs and charities and schedule a proper time for donating stuffed toys that you wish to give away. Not only you can donate these stuffed animals, but you can also give them to those who you find need them actually, in your neighborhood.

What charities take toys?

Salvation Army and Goodwill are two of the most recognizable charities that take toy donations. But call your local branch before you go to confirm that it's accepting toy donations. Such charities often give toys directly to less fortunate children, or they sell the toys and put the proceeds toward the organization's efforts. Either way, the toys will be helping people in your community. As an extra incentive, you can donate toys to a qualifying charity or nonprofit group and deduct the items on your taxes.

Can you donate toys to a charity?

As an extra incentive, you can donate toys to a qualifying charity or nonprofit group and deduct the items on your taxes. 2. Hospitals. Many medical facilities accept gently used toys for their young patients to play with while they are hospitalized.

Do religious centers take donations?

If it's not accepting toy donations at the moment, there's a good chance it will be able to direct you to a reputable location that will take your donations.

Do police officers carry toys?

Police officers and firefighters often carry small toys, usually stuffed animals, to comfort scared and injured children on the scene. And local departments generally look to the public for donations to provide this service. So call your local police and fire departments to find out whether they would like some gently used toys. Around the holidays, departments also often serve as drop-off locations for toy, coat, and other donations.

Do daycares need more toys?

It is rare to find a daycare center that is not in need of more toys. With so many children to entertain, daycare centers run through toys pretty fast. If you don't use a daycare center yourself, check with parents in your area to find one that will take your toy donations.

What charities accept gently used toys?

There are so many charities that will accept gently used toys and distribute them throughout their networks. For example, thrift-store organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army will resell toys in their shops and use the profits to support their charitable work. You could also give to Toys for Tots, the United States Marine Corps Reserve-run program that gives donated toys to children in need. Toys for Tots hosts popular toy drives around the holidays, but they also accept gently used toys year-round. Cradles to Crayons is another organization that accepts new and nearly new toys to benefit low-income families.

Can daycares go through toys?

If you've ever been to a day-care center, you know that they go through toys quickly. That's why if you have a ton of lightly used toys to donate, you might contact a center in your area to see if they're able to give your items a second life.

Can hospitals accept toys?

Hospitals. Many hospitals will accept donated toys for their young patients to play with, or to keep children entertained in the waiting room; the same thing goes for doctor's offices. But keep in mind: If you want to donate toys to your local children's hospital, they must be new.

How to donate stuffed animals?

You can donate gently used stuffed animals to SAFE. However, please be sure that the stuffed animals meet the following guidelines: 1 Only gently used stuffed animals 2 Stuffed animals that have been properly cleaned (the website has a guide) 3 Stuffed animals that were part of a collection, haven’t been played with, and still have tags on are considered “new” even if they’ve been stored cleanly in your home

What is stuffed animal safe?

Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE for short) is a charity that gives stuffed animals to children in emergency situations. Such as children who are involved in a domestic violence incident, a house fire, car accident, or other traumatic event. You can donate gently used stuffed animals to SAFE.

Who is Laurie Blank?

Laurie Blank is a blogger, freelance writer, and mother of four. She’s psyched about teaching others how to manage their money in a way that aligns with their values and has been quoted in Bankrate.

What is emergency childcare?

Many metropolitan cities have emergency childcare services – often called crisis nurseries – for parents who are in a bind and need occasional child care. For instance, if a parent is trying to get help for addiction, or move, or something similar, they can find childcare for a specified amount of time.

Does Marines Toys For Tots accept used toys?

There were a few articles that said U.S. Marines Toys For Tots program accepts used toys as well. According to this webpage, that hasn’t been the case since 1980. The Toys For Tots website said that distributing used toys to some children was giving them the wrong message that they weren’t worthy of new toys, while kids who received new toys were more deserving.

Archived Q&A and Reviews

I have a lot of very nice, clean stuffed animals I'd like to donate, preferably to an organization that can provide a tax donation receipt.

2005 - 2009 Recommendations

I'm cleaning out my attic and find that we have two BIG bags of sweet stuffed animals that my kids haven't played with in years. My kids already have a plenty decent collection of their own, so I would like to donate these extras to a charity that could really use them. Suggestions? kh

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Charities

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Salvation Army and Goodwill are two of the most recognizable charitiesthat take toy donations. But call your local branch before you go to confirm that it's accepting toy donations. Such charities often give toys directly to less fortunate children, or they sell the toys and put the proceeds toward the organization's efforts. Either w…
See more on thespruce.com

Hospitals

  • Many medical facilities accept gently used toys for their young patients to play with while they are hospitalized. Your local hospital might have a toy wish list posted on its website that you can check for its exact needs. Always check with the medical facility before you show up with a box of toys. Some won't accept any items that aren't new due to the risk of spreading illness from seco…
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Doctors' Offices

  • Visit a children's doctor's office, and you might see toys that people have donated. Large toys can entertain children in the waiting room. And small toys can be used in the doctor's prize bin to reward kids for making it through a checkup. Check with your local doctor's office to see what its needs are. If you have kids, you can have them write short messages of well wishes on certain t…
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Daycare Centers

  • It is rare to find a daycare center that is not in need of more toys. With so many children to entertain, daycare centers run through toys pretty fast. If you don't use a daycare center yourself, check with parents in your area to find one that will take your toy donations. The greatest need will likely be toys for young children.
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Shelters

  • Women's shelters, as well as shelters for homeless people, are often overlooked as toy donation sites. But children end up at these locations too, and they often come with very few possessions. So many of these shelters will gladly take gently used toy donations. At the same time, you might be able to donate other items, including clothing, bedding, and toiletries. Contact a particular she…
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Children's Homes

  • Children's homes are another place where you can donate used toys for kids in need. Groups of kids live together in children's homes, so toys for kids of all ages are usually appreciated. Don't forget about toys for older children, as they're often an overlooked group in favor of cute toys for young kids. Check your local directory to see whether there is a children's home near you, and fin…
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Military Families

  • With military families constantly on the move, some toys might not make the trip to the family's new home. So some gently used toys could be a nice welcoming gesture for a military family with kids that's new to your city. You also can contact a local military family support group to find a home for your toy donations, or contact Operation Homefrontto search for current needs.
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Religious Centers

  • From newborns to school-age kids, local religious centers often provide childcare services to a variety of children during services and other facility events. Contact a local place of worship to find out what its needs are. If it's not accepting toy donations at the moment, there's a good chance it will be able to direct you to a reputable location that will take your donations.
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Social Services

  • Your local social services division likely will be able to connect you with a variety of kids who would love to play with your gently used children's toys. Contact your local department to find out what it needs and where to bring donations. It also might have needs for other children's items, such as clothing and shoes.
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Police and Fire Departments

  • Police officers and firefighters often carry small toys, usually stuffed animals, to comfort scared and injured children on the scene. And local departments generally look to the public for donations to provide this service. So call your local police and fire departments to find out whether they would like some gently used toys. Around the holidays, departments also often ser…
See more on thespruce.com

Charities

Image
There are so many charities that will accept gently used toys and distribute them throughout their networks. For example, thrift-store organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army will resell toys in their shops and use the profits to support their charitable work. You could also give to Toys for Tots, the United States Mari…
See more on goodhousekeeping.com

Buy Nothing Groups

  • Especially amid the coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to find charities and organizations that will accept donations of gently used toys — but that doesn't mean your kid's old things are destined for the dump. If you can't find any places to donate toys, try posting the items on your local Buy Nothing Facebook group. You could also list the toys on Freecycle or Craigslist. Make …
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Hospitals

  • Many hospitals will accept donated toys for their young patients to play with, or to keep children entertained in the waiting room; the same thing goes for doctor's offices. But keep in mind: If you want to donate toys to your local children's hospital, they must be new. Most hospitals have strict hygiene policies, so you'll need to purchase the toy specifically for the purpose of donating (cont…
See more on goodhousekeeping.com

Children's Homes and Shelters

  • Your toys will definitely get played with if you donate them to a local children's or women's shelter. Get in touch with the director of the children's home nearest to you to see where and how your donations can be most useful. Your local social services office might also be able to direct you to children in the foster care system and other children in need who would greatly appreciate gentl…
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Daycare Centers

  • If you've ever been to a day-care center, you know that they go through toys quickly. That's why if you have a ton of lightly used toys to donate, you might contact a center in your area to see if they're able to give your items a second life.
See more on goodhousekeeping.com

Police and Fire Departments

  • Police officers and firefighters often carry stuffed animals and other small toys with them to comfort children at the scenes of traumatic events, and their supply of toys sometimes depends on donations. Reach out to your local police and fire departments to see if they're accepting donations right now. For an easy way to donate toys to this cause, give your items to Stuffed Ani…
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Churches

  • The leader of your local church may know of families within the church who could use a few new toys. Otherwise, the church itself may want the toys to keep children occupied during Sunday school, services or other local events. Contact the church's children's ministry coordinator for more information.
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Recycling Programs

  • If the toys you're looking to get rid of are soiled, torn or otherwise not in great shape, recycling them may be the best bet. You can get in contact with your local recycling service and see if they take toys (because they don't always!), or check out TerraCycle. TerraCycle has a partnership with Hasbro specifically for recycling old toys — it's free and easy! You mail in your toys, and they bre…
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