Where to Donate Gently Used Stuffed Animals in Wilmington, NC

If your closets are overflowing with well-loved teddy bears, plush bunnies, and cuddly companions that deserve a new home, Wilmington has several local organizations that would be thrilled to receive them. Donating gently used stuffed animals is a simple act of kindness that can comfort children, support families, and even raise funds for local nonprofits.

Here are some wonderful places in the Wilmington, NC area where your stuffed animals can make a big difference.

1. Operation Teddy Bear – Assistance League of Greater Wilmington

Address: 420 Eastwood Road, Suite 106, Wilmington, NC 28403
Donation Hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: Knock on back door #106 or call 910-769-2345 for assistance

Operation Teddy Bear is one of the sweetest community projects around. Run through the Assistance League of Greater Wilmington Thrift Shop, the program provides new and gently used stuffed animals to children in crisis and those needing comfort across the Cape Fear region.

Recipients include:

• Wrightsville Beach Police Department
• Domestic Violence Shelter and Services
• The Carousel Center
• EMS in Brunswick County
• Cape Fear Guardian ad Litem Association
• Med North Health Center
• A Safe Place

Donations are accepted at the back door of Suite 106 — just give a knock or call the number above if you need help unloading.

Tip: Make sure your stuffed animals are clean and in good condition. Operation Teddy Bear volunteers give them one last wash before delivery, but they can’t accept stained or torn toys.

2. Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE)

🌐 stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org

SAFE is a national nonprofit that collects new and gently used stuffed animals, cleans them, and distributes them to children affected by trauma from fires and accidents to domestic violence or homelessness.

While there isn’t a permanent drop-off center in Wilmington at this time, SAFE works with local volunteers and partner agencies throughout North Carolina. You can contact them through their website to arrange to ship a box of plush toys.

3. Sokoto House

Sokoto House is a Wilmington community hub dedicated to social justice, youth outreach, and empowerment programs. They often accept donations of educational toys, books, and comforting items like stuffed animals to use in children’s programming or distribute to families in need.

4. Memories of A Child (for Foster Pantry)

If you’d like your donation to directly benefit local foster families, consider taking gently used stuffed animals to Memories of A Child, a kids consignment store in Wilmington.

When you donate there, mention that the proceeds should benefit Foster Pantry, a nonprofit ran 100% by volunteers that supports foster parents and children in the Cape Fear region.

5. Daycare Centers & Nursing Homes

Don’t overlook smaller community options!

• Daycare centers often appreciate gently used plush toys for reading corners or nap time.
• Nursing homes and memory-care units sometimes use baby dolls and stuffed animals for therapeutic activities, bringing comfort and calm to residents living with dementia.

Call ahead to make sure your chosen facility accepts used items and to learn about hygiene or safety requirements.

6. Foster Love Closet

Foster Love is a national organization that partners with local foster agencies to provide care packages, clothing, and toys to children entering foster care. You can donate new or gently used stuffed animals through their programs or host a local “Comfort Kit Drive” in Wilmington. Instagram is FosterLove.Closet

7. Local Thrift and Charity Shops

If you prefer to support resale shops that fund local causes, these Wilmington locations accept gently used toys when they are clean and in good condition:

• Vintage Values (supports Domestic Violence Shelter & Services)
• Goodwill Industries of Eastern NC 
• The Salvation Army Donation Center 

Donation Tips

• Wash and dry stuffed animals before donating.
• Check for damage: no missing eyes, loose parts, or strong odors.
• Bag or box neatly to protect them from dust.
• Call ahead : donation rules change, especially for plush toys.

Small Gesture, Big Impact

Donating a stuffed animal might seem like a small gesture, but to a child in crisis, a foster family welcoming a new member, or a senior in a care facility, it can mean the world. Wilmington’s generous network of nonprofits and community programs make it easy to pass that love forward.