Where to Donate Stuffed Animals

A reader asked if we know of places throughout the Triad where she can donate stuffed animals. I wrote back saying, “Sure, no problem. We’ll pull together and get it uploaded.” Little did I know how difficult it is to find places that accept used and gently used stuffed animals!

The obvious places you’d choose for toy donations, like Goodwill, no longer accept them. It has nothing to do with germs, but regulations regarding the fire retardancy of the materials inside. Who knew? Like many of us, the reader has a million stuffed animals that has been hugged maybe once or twice, and then crammed into the “stuffed animal basket” never to be loved again.

Below are ideas I found with help from www.ehow.com (I love that web site, by the way!), and from other readers. If you know of any others email us at Kodia.Tmom@gmail.com

Where to Donate stuffed Animals

1. Local police departments, sheriff’s departments, or fire departments

Sometimes local police departments, sheriff’s departments, or fire departments accept small stuffed animals to calm children involved in accidents, accompany children en route to a hospital, or soothe kids who are lost or involved in custody incidents.

2. Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE)

Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE) collects new and gently used stuffed animals and toys to be redistributed to police, fire and rescue, ambulance services, children’s homes, hospitals, life flight, and other emergency organizations. Brandi Byers is the North Carolina representative. She can email at brandi_byers@yahoo.com.

3. Project Night Night

Project Night Night, is an organization that donates individual tote bags to homeless children ages 0-10, each filled with a security blanket, an age-appropriate book, and a stuffed animal. There are shelters across the country, with one here in Winston-Salem! Contact Family Services, Inc, 1200 South Broad Street, W-S, at 724-3979.

4. homeless shelters, battered women’s shelters, or senior centers

Sometimes homeless shelters, battered women’s shelters or senior centers accept donations of stuffed animals.

5. Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots collect toys that were never used or are still in their original packaging for children of all ages (from newborns to teens). Here is a link to all their toy drop-off locations in the Triad.

6. Teddy Bear Brigade

Teddy Bear Brigade, a program of Gleaning for the World, is a 501c.3 non-profit located in Central Virginia.They accept donations of new and gently used stuffed animals for distribution as humanitarian aid and disaster relief to children in developing countries. For more info visit its website or email cellis@gftw.org. Stuffed animals can be dropped off or shipped to their warehouse at: Gleaning for the World, Att: Teddy Bear Brigade, 7539 Stage Road / P.O., Box 645, Concord, VA 24538.

7. Exchange/SCAN

Exchange/SCAN will take gently used stuffed animals. Visit their website for more information. They are located on Northwest Blvd in WS.

8. McKay’s

McKay’s purchases them. I was completely surprised that they bought almost all my stuffed animals.

Where else can you think of? And has anyone tried these places listed above?

If you like this blog on Where to Donate Stuffed Animals you might also like these:

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Seven Easy Ways to Declutter This Spring

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Decluttering With Your Kids Before the Holidays

Stuffed Animal Storage

Click pictures for links to shop

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