S.A.F.E.: Stuffed Animals for Emergencies
Originally printed in March, 2006

When you have young multiples in your life, your home can easily become 
buried under the ridiculous amount of stuffed animals your children 
receive from well-meaning family and friends.  Many of us have been 
told you cannot donate these items, but we’ve found one place that 
says otherwise!

S.A.F.E., Stuffed Animals for Emergencies, gladly accepts new and gently-
used stuffed animals.  When they receive used ones, they wash, clean, 
repair, and add bows and decorations to the stuffed animals to make 
them “like-new” again.  The stuffed animals are then given to emergency 
personnel, children’s homes and foster parent associations, shelters and 
missions, child advocacy groups, and other outreach programs… anywhere 
that there is a child in need or in a frightening, emergency situation.  
Small, new items are preferred by Police and Fire & Rescue due to the 
limited space in their vehicles and the health condition of many of the 
children they help.  However, when they do receive large stuffed animals, 
they hold on to them for various children's homes and libraries.

S.A.F.E. is run completely by volunteers who do not get financial compensation 
for their time and efforts.  Also, S.A.F.E. volunteers distribute donations 
to organizations who give your stuffed animals directly to children in 
need; in another words, your donations are not sold, etc..  If you have 
used stuffed animals you are no longer using or you children have outgrown, 
please donate them to S.A.F.E..  There are several drop-off locations 
around the country or you can mail them directly to a S.A.F.E. volunteer's 
home.  To find a location near you, please visit 
www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.com.

Unfortunately, S.A.F.E. does not currently have volunteers in every state 
and many states are so large that more than one volunteer is needed (There 
is one chapter in MA, and one in RI which is not currently accepting 
donations.  There are NO chapters in NH or ME.).  Heading a chapter is 
not difficult and does not require a large amount of time, but can be 
very rewarding.  Organizing a S.A.F.E. Chapter in your area or a donation 
drive at their school is a fantastic way to cultivate a spirit of giving 
in your children.  If you or someone you know would be interested in 
starting a chapter in your area or organizing a stuffed animal drive, 
please email Cheryl Famigletti at helpthechildren@charter.net to help 
you get started. 

For donations in MA, please contact:
Ivonne and Sean Malo
se33an@yahoo.com  or  (508) 278-0442