I need your ideas for a charity!

[Hen_House_Rocks!]

I work at a county Farm Bureau office and we collected a ton of gently used stuffed animals. We've washed them and tied new bows around their necks and now we need to find a home for them. BUT! No one will take them! I can't believe it but we've been turned down by the Ronald McDonald house, the local womens shelters, and the salvation army. They all say they can't take used toys. That they only take new toys. What can we do with all these stuffed animals? They really do look new and it's a shame that we can't find someone to take them. Especially with christmas coming up. They would make great gifts for someone.

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

Hen_House_Rocks! :

I work at a county Farm Bureau office and we collected a ton of gently used stuffed animals. We've washed them and tied new bows around their necks and now we need to find a home for them. BUT! No one will take them! I can't believe it but we've been turned down by the Ronald McDonald house, the local womens shelters, and the salvation army. They all say they can't take used toys. That they only take new toys. What can we do with all these stuffed animals? They really do look new and it's a shame that we can't find someone to take them. Especially with christmas coming up. They would make great gifts for someone.

maybe a daycare might want them?​

 

[Mrs.Puff]

The salvation army does too take used toys. They just don't want your stuffed animals b/c nobody will buy them. Often ambulances and hospitals keep stuffed animals to give to kids to hang onto, and they usually get to take them home. Try that. Have you tried Goodwill?
I hate to say, but most people don't want stuffed animals b/c there's a million jillion of them out there. Kids just don't do stuffed animals much anymore.

 

[saddina]

I believe because of recalls and safety issues many places no longer take used toys... have you tried:

Local children's hospital? Fostercare agencies? Childcares? If all that fails put an ad on freecycle that you have refurbished stuffed animals, and you'd like to donate them, someone will have a project going on. (locally we have a lady who does autism therapy that takes them for tactile play and leaves them with the families).

 

[horsejody]

Mrs.Puff :

The salvation army does too take used toys. They just don't want your stuffed animals b/c nobody will buy them. Often ambulances and hospitals keep stuffed animals to give to kids to hang onto, and they usually get to take them home. Try that. Have you tried Goodwill?
I hate to say, but most people don't want stuffed animals b/c there's a million jillion of them out there. Kids just don't do stuffed animals much anymore.

Sometimes police departments will take a few too. The officers put them in the trunks of the patrol cars and give them to children that are traumatized at crime scenes to give them something to hold and cry on. Also, ask local churches. They may know families that would appreciate them.​

 

[Chickenmaven]

Maybe you could hand these out in conjunction with a food pantry giveaway?

I have worked in non-profits and it always made me sad when people put alot of effort into something and there were no takers...

A group I volunteer with had a "big plan" to make 100s of cookies and I told them I would not join them in this big effort until we had a recipient agency. And you know what? I spent a week making calls before I could connect with two leaders who wanted the cookies!?! But it was worth the calls. I do not need the temptation of 100 cookies.

 

[Hen_House_Rocks!]

Thanks for the great ideas! I will get started making phone calls.

 

[CHIC]

Try social services. When they have to take kids out of there homes, they literally come with almost nothing. A stuffed animal could be a little something to snuggle and comfort them.

 

[sfw2]

One of my friends volunteers with the Red Cross. She also carries some stuffed animals in her trunk, for children who have just lost their homes to fire, flood, or other disasters.

 

[raroo]

That's weird. I always thought charities took in used toys, I thought I remembered seeing some in a thrift store not that long ago. If no one will take them, maybe you could throw something like a rummage sale, or flea market style, and just have everything there for free. Maybe you could add other things that get sold by donation that could go to a local charity? At one of the malls nearby my area in the mall square, they have things similar to that, booths where they sell used books, toys and dolls, homemade Christmas decorations. You could set up something like that, and have all profits go to charity.
I don't get it. They sell used mattresses and clothing, but won't take in washed, clean stuffed animals? I don't see the difference.