Project Smile

In the last week two people have asked if I knew where to donate stuffed animals, so I was thinking there may be more of you out there wondering what to do with the mountain of gently-loved teddy bears and Easter bunnies that the kids just had to have but no longer look at. I sent 2 huge boxes to Project Smile. They give stuffed animals to police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to give to children involved in traumatic situations. They also give stuffed animals to elderly people transitioning to nursing homes.

Here are the guidelines:

• Size: Due to the size limitations in the police cruisers please no stuffed animals over 21 inches.
• Condition: Absolutely no stains or smells from pets, smoke, dust, etc. Please check the stuffed animals for tears, discoloration and worn, pilled or damaged clothing. Please do not wash the stuffed animals or attempt to repair them.
• Battery compartments: We can not accept stuffed animals that have battery compartments.
• No stuffed animals that make noises- such as singing, reciting prayers, etc.
• No commemorative stuffed animals that have years sewn on them.
• Please do not remove the tags.

http://www.projectsmile.org/default.htm
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