where to donate stuffed animals near me

by Nils Gleason 8 min read

Where can I donate stuffed animals in my area?

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

Where is the best place to donate stuffed animals?

10 Places to Donate Gently Used Children's ToysCharities. Salvation Army and Goodwill are two of the most recognizable charities that take toy donations. ... Hospitals. ... Doctors' Offices. ... Daycare Centers. ... Shelters. ... Children's Homes. ... Military Families. ... Religious Centers.More items...•Nov 6, 2020

How do you get rid of 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

What do you do with stuffed animals you want to keep?

For adults, go right ahead and toss your stuffed animal in your closet, in a storage box with a lid and a level, an empty basket that you can hide away, way in the back, or even plop them in a purse to save some space elsewhere. While for kids, I recommend getting a hanger to store their stuffed animals.Jul 13, 2021

Can you donate Beanie Babies?

Donate. If you're not into crafting or really don't want to mess with them, just give them away. Please be sure to only give the new, unused Beanies to these programs unless they agree to accept others.Feb 18, 2019

How do you clean stuffed animal donations?

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

Are old stuffed animals worth anything?

Apart from ordinary used stuffed animals that people buy there are the ones that sell to serious collectors. Some of these can go for hundreds of dollars. For example, just about anything old that was made by the German company Steiff is sought after by collectors.Nov 5, 2021

Can you give teddy bears to charity?

Through the Teddy Trust a child in the UK can learn about the suffering of children around the world, and learn how they can help with the simple donation of a much-loved teddy.

What age do you get rid of stuffed animals?

By 5-year-old most kids will no longer need a comfort object like a plushie or blanket everywhere they go. But they may still sleep with that object for much longer.Aug 4, 2020

Can stuffed animals help with anxiety?

A recent study from UV University Amsterdam suggests that touching a stuffed animal, especially among those who have low self-esteem, helps to relieve existential angst. The study also suggested touch is a means of increasing social connectedness among people during periods of anxiety.Sep 26, 2018

What can I do with giant stuffed animals?

Sadly, it might be time to throw that toy away for good. Decide which organization you'd like to donate your toys, stuffed animals, or games to. Check with places like the Goodwill, your local thrift shop, local shelters, preschools, churches, or hospitals.Sep 9, 2019

Can adults sleep with stuffed animals?

It gave you a sense of warmth, protection, and even friendship. While some adults grow out of this teddy bear phase, others still feel fond of their stuffed animals and keep them on the bed no matter how old they are. It turns out, this isn't as weird as you may think. As a top sleep specialist in New York City, Dr.

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...

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Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE) is a 23-year-old nonprofit that is run entirely by volunteers.

Celebrating 23 years as a nonprofit and over 300,000 stuffed animals donated to children in need!

We would love to help! Please fill out our survey by clicking the button below and we will do our best to get some donations to you ASAP.

Help SAFE!

Your support and contributions will enable us to continue supporting children in need. SAFE is run entirely by volunteers so 100% of your donations will go towards maintaining the SAFE website, getting donations in the hands of children, and supporting our chapter members.

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.

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.

What is stuffed animal for emergencies?

Stuffed Animals for Emergencies is a wonderful organization that does just as its name suggests – it provides stuffed animals for children to cuddle in times of emergency. Having a stuffed toy to cuddle can help children to feel safe during times like natural disasters or during an ambulance ride, for example. 9.

What is a military charity?

This is an awesome national 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to helping military families so they can thrive. They help military families with anything from rent and mortgage to utilities, groceries and foods as well as toys for their kids. Visit their website to contact them to see about donating your kid’s gently used toys (or brand new toys) to military families in your area.

What is second chance toy?

Second Chance Toys is an awesome organization that exists to provide toys to kids in low-income households, particularly the ones living at or below the poverty level. You can donate any plastic toy that has all of its parts and batteries.

Why do doctors need toys?

Doctor’s offices need toys to keep children occupied in the waiting room or even as a reward for making it through a checkup. So you could help out by donating toys.

What is Marine Toys for Tots?

The Marine Toys for Tots is a program that gives children free Christmas toys. By donating, you put presents under the tree of a less fortunate child on Christmas morning.

Is LetGo a charity?

LetGo isn’t a charity, but it’s still a place to consider giving away used toys. The site is a marketplace where you can buy and sell stuff locally. Although its focus is on selling stuff, there is actually a section just for free stuff where people can list the stuff they want to give away.

What is Ronald McDonald House?

The Ronald McDonald House is an organization that provides accommodation and facilities to families whose children are getting care in a nearby hospital. Basically, it makes it possible for families who live further away from the hospital to be near their children while they’re being cared for.

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Charities

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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 to...
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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…
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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.
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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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