Porter's Students Organize Community-Wide Stuffed Animal Drive

12/18/2009
Miss Porter's School's community service club, Concordia, is holding a drive to collect stuffed animals for the South Windsor, Conn., chapter of the SAFE (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies) organization. The group is collecting new and gently used stuffed animals from the Farmington community for donation to SAFE. SAFE is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that collects items such as stuffed animals, toys, books and baby blankets, and redistributes them to emergency organizations, children's services, hospitals, homeless shelters, and other places that help children in times of crisis. These items provide comfort to children during emergency situations.

Sophomores Mary Kate Meedzan and Alexa Menard organized the stuffed animal drive as a way to reach out to children in times of need. "There are kids all around Conn. that face tough situations every day," Mary Kate explains. "This is a small gesture that lets them know people care."

The stuffed animal drive was originally to be held only at Porter's, but after seeing the enthusiastic reaction of the Porter's students and faculty members, Concordia decided to open the drive to the entire Farmington community. To offer this opportunity, Concordia partnered with the Farmington Fire Station. Alexa says the firemen were happy to participate. "Most of the firemen knew about SAFE, and they were eager to help us," Alexa says. "We are very grateful for their support and assistance. It is nice for people to know that the whole community is willing to help those who are in need."

Concordia hopes to collect 500 stuffed animals by the end of the drive, but they also hope to raise awareness of the fact that a small donation can still have a big impact. "I want people to be aware that they don't need to send huge donations to charities to make a difference," says Mary Kate. "By donating used toys, stuffed animals, or other items, people are making a huge difference in someone else's life." To date, more than 210 stuffed animals have been donated. Concordia is also accepting monetary donations, which they will use to purchase additional stuffed animals to donate to SAFE.

Donations of new and gently used stuffed animals can be dropped off at the Farmington Fire Station, located at 76 Main Street, until February 16. The fire station is open 24 hours a day. Mary Kate and Alexa hope that poeple will consider making a stuffed animal donation as a holiday gift for a child in need but stress that donations do not need to stop after the holidays. Alexa points out that help is needed at all times, "It would be wonderful if people kept the spirit alive and give throughout the year."