Cross Breeds

Where can I donate gently used stuffed animals in NJ? NOT looking to donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army!!?

Rather than donate to somewhere that simply resells the items, I want to give a donation to someone or some organization that distributes the stuffed animals for free. Thanks I'm looking for a specific place in NJ, not just a general idea of where to donate.

Public Comments

1. Homeless shelters, or battered womens shelters.
2. They do resell the items; you're right. But please remember that in the process they employ a lot of people who normally wouldn't be able to find a job: the disabled, the addicted, the homeless. Then when they sell the items they turn that money back into their programs. So you're actually giving twice by donating to Goodwill.
3. Donate to your local children's hospital. They will give the animals to sick kids who will love and appreciate them more than you'll ever know. And they don't charge, they just give, from the heart! Our local hospital does accept gently used stuffed animals! Just call the hospital nearest you!
4. Freecycle If not a member then go to http://www.freecycle.org click on the find a group near you, look for you city or county. Go to that group and join. It works and it is neat. Everthing is free. I own a group here in Ga, and it is worldwide now.
5. I don't think children's hospitals accept used plush items at all--no matter how *lightly* used they are--because of health/bacterial/dust concerns. The suggestion to donate them to a homeless shelter or (especially) battered women's shelter is wonderful, though. I also wonder if your local police station will accept them--some have programs where they'll make sure they have plush items to give to children whose homes they visit on domestic disturbance/abuse etc. calls. It's a way to comfort the kids in these bad situations.
6. Stuffed Animals for Emergencies: http://www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/chapters.htm Project Night Night for Homeless Children http://projectnightnight.org/HowToGetStarted.html