I am active on another forum where we have several members who live in hard-hit areas affected by the tornado disaster. While there are many local efforts to get out basic emergency supplies, it came up that there are many children who are sleeping in a strange place, many still without power, everything they had owned gone, and therefore nothing to hold in the night.
I have decided to try to collect new or gently used stuffed animals to be distributed directly to children in the affected areas. I know many of us with children (and a few without) have an overabundance of stuffed animals and dolls that seem to just accumulate and most barely get used. I have so far got a mailing address for one organization working in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas, and am working on a contact in another area. If you would like to contribute, here are some guidelines:
Please send small-ish stuffed animals, soft dolls, or any other huggable "lovie" that a child could hold at night or during the day for comfort.
If items are used, please make sure they are in very good condition, and wash them before sending. Don't send something you wouldn't give as a gift to an acquaintance's child.
Make sure there are no small detachable parts that could be lost or choked on.
Mail to:
Toomers for Tuscaloosa 665 Hwy 74 South Ste 700 Peachtree City, GA 30269
They are also accepting in-kind donations of children's and adults' clothes and shoes, diapers, baby wipes, feminine products, etc.