I don’t know about you but stuffed animals and my kids go together like Peanut Butter and Jelly, Peas and Carrots, Milk and Cookies, like Lucy and Ethel.. Anyway, you get the idea. My kids LOVE some stuffed animals and for some reason, even when I say no more, I don’t really mean it… I Just. Keep. Buying. Them.
When it comes time to purge and donate, it actually physically hurts to think about the money that was spent, but now knowing that there is a local resource that makes excellent use of them, it hurts just a little less. I was so thankful to learn about this local program and thought our BirminghamMommy readers would love to know about this resource as well!
Cops We Care is a program through the Birmingham Mayor’s Office that partners with the Birmingham Police (Community Policing and Revitalization or “CPR” Unit) to help turn Tears into Smiles by collecting pre-loved or new stuffed animals for children.
The stuffed animals are collected at various drop sites throughout Birmingham (see below) and given to the Police who will carry them in their vehicles to give out when they are called to a scene where children are present or involved. The program is seeing great success in showing that these Officers can be a friends to a child.
There are several permanent drop sites as well as places and organizations that collect only during certain times of the year.
Permanent Drop Sites Include:
The Mayor’s Office
Southside Apt. Company
The Sign Company
Tin Roof
Vacca Drugs
Heritage Medical
Chris Z’s
Sneaky Pete’s on 6th Ave
Innovation Depot
Seasonal/Occasional Drop Locations Include:
OLS School
OLS Church (Entire Month of June)
Mayer Electric (Quarterly)
Rojo (twice a year)
Hoover Tactical
*Please note that you should call to confirm with these seasonal locations before taking your donations.
This is a great way to get your kiddos involved in the idea of giving, and helping others. (Not to mention the cleaning out process.) Once mine learned where they were going and what they would be used for, they were way less reluctant to part with them and gladly helped me fill 2 full bags to donate, with the plans to part with more! A total Win/Win in my book!
To see more of the great work that Cops We Care is doing for the Birmingham community, follow them on Facebook or Twitter, @CopsWeCare.
For more information on donating, or having your Company or Organization involved contact: Meredith Asher, 205.492.7991
