If you’re a parent like me, you’ve likely ended up with more stuffed animals than your children need. There will always be those few favourites that collect at the head or foot of your child’s bed and end up in keepsake boxes in basements to be found as treasures by subsequent generations. But due to birthdays, holidays, and not-so-special occasions, there are also dozens that your children likely pay little or no attention to and never will. Parent to parent, we all know that most of these misfits do not get adopted at your annual garage sale. (Though some do get rescued by our own children, or their pals, only to end up back in the same dark closet.)
For hygienic reasons, many thrift shops no longer accept old stuffies, no matter how ugly or cute they may be. You may also have difficulty finding a place to donate towels, blankets, baby pools, and cleaning supplies. I recently learned from a mom friend that the SPCA and other similar shelters welcome items such as stuffed animals that you may think belong in no other bin but the trash. This was great news, as my pile of “we don’t take that” was getting bigger by the day.
Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or doing your summer cleaning, now may be the time to contact your local animal shelter to find out which of the items below are on their wish list. Before you drop off your stuff, be sure to contact your local shelter to make sure your donations will be accepted.

SPCA Wish List

Animal Needs:

• Dry kitten food
• Dry Cat food
• Dry puppy food
• Canned cat and kitten food (urgent)
• Temptation Cat treats
• Dog treats
• Cat structures
• “Kong” Dog toys
• Cat toys
• Blankets
• Cleaning Supplies:
• Paper towels
• Bleach
• Glass Cleaner
• Laundry Detergent
• Fabric Softener
• Dish Detergent
• Hand Sanitizer
• Anti-bacterial Hand Soap
• Towels

Office Supplies:

• Paper (letter, legal)
• Cartridges
• Scotch Tape
• Whiteout
• All Occasions Greetings Cards
• Stamps
• Legal size file folders
• Gift Cards from local retail stores

Seasonal:

• Small children paddling pools
• Planters

Have you and your family started a monthly Earth Hour yet? July 26th is the last Saturday of the month. Why not call your local shelter and find out what they are in need of? As you go around the house turning lights and power bars off for the evening, why not collect a few donations for your local animal shelter. You may find that your children are less attached to those unnamed teddies if they know they’re going to be the new best friend for an orphaned puppy or kitten.

WARNING: You may be asked by the shelter to poke out the eyes and noses of those stuffies to prevent choking hazards for the real animals. This may be an activity you want to save until after bedtime!