How To Recycle Unwanted Plush Toys Into Great Treasures?

Answer 1

Do you have plush toys laying around and have no idea on what to do with them? Before you decide to throw them away, there are some great ways to recycle these toys and make a positive contribution to some great organizations in the process. However the condition of the toys will determine the organizations that best benefit from your generosity.

1. Animal shelters. Local animal shelters use plush animals to put in cages with small puppies and kittens. Because of the likelihood that these toys will be chewed on, they should be free of small parts like buttons and eyes that can cause a choking hazard. These plush items make great alternatives to more costly dog toys that most shelters are unable to pay for and supply.

2. Police Departments and Emergency Response Organizations. If you have plush toys that are in new and like new condition, you can donate them to community emergency response organizations, such as your local police departments, firefighters and paramedics. These organizations use the plush toys to help calm a child who has been involved in a traumatic event like an automobile accident, fire or witnesses a family member who was ill or injured.

3. Community Shelters. Local community homeless shelters and women’s centers use donated plush toys to offer children. Since in most situations children are forced to leave their toys and other personal items behind, receiving a donated plush toy can provide the ability to once again have something of their own. Often times simple items such as this can make a world of difference in a child’s life.

4. Worldwide Humanitarian Organizations. Humanitarian Organizations such as the American Red Cross and SAFE - stuffed Animals For Emergencies send new and slightly used plush toys to American Troops stationed in locations such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Haiti to pass out to local children to help gain their trust of our soldiers. This simple act is helping to insure a little of our soldiers a safe return home by making the conditions in the areas they are stations a little more friendlier.

5. Nursing Homes and Elderly Care Centers. Nursing Homes and Elderly Care Centers use donated new and like new plush toys to offer as prizes to the facility residents. These little gift ideas make valuable treasures to the patients who receive them and again are helping people feel as though they have items of their own.

If you have children, these are also great ways to help them understand the importance of giving to others. They will see how their unwanted plush toys can help make a big difference in the lives of others. And as a parent, what better gift to give your child than a caring heart and compassionate demeanor.