Children are admitted to hospitals and clinics around the world every day. Doctors, nurses, medical professionals, clergy and hospital staff provide them with the best primary care possible. As family and friends of a child in the hospital, the best medicine we can give is love… but not all hospitalized children have that luxury. That’s where teddy bear power comes in!

Hospitals are never “fun” places for children. Whether they are there just for an hour, the day or they have to stay overnight or longer for treatment or recovery, it can be a frightening place. They often have to leave their favorite toys at home or can only bring a few with them.

Teddy bears and other cuddly critters can actually reduce stress, anxiety, boredom and help kids recover faster. Doctors and nurses will often use stuffed animals to demonstrate a procedure to a child. Therapists sometimes use them as part of a patient’s treatment. They may also be used in hospital playrooms, distributed to comfort and entertain a child during their hospital stay or given as a special gift to celebrate the completion of a procedure or a significant event such as a birthday or holiday when a child is in the hospital.

Kind-hearted people who want to donate teddy bears to hospitals must do a little homework first. Because medical professionals have to be concerned with the risks of harmful bacteria and viruses, most hospitals will only accept new stuffed animals and toys as donations. Some hospitals further restrict the type of fabric, fill and how eyes are attached to plush animal donations because of allergen and safety concerns.

Before donating on your own, it is always a good idea to find a place that will accept your donations first. Call your local children’s hospital and ask them what their policy is on donating plush animals and other toys. You may also find this information on the hospital’s website under “gifts in kind.” Ask about any required paperwork, size and quantity limitations and where and when you can deliver your donations.

After you find an acceptable place to donate to, there are several ways to get the word out that you are collecting stuffed animals for children in the hospital. Church and social groups, local fire departments, libraries and schools are great places to start.

» Read more: Donating Teddy Bears to Children in the Hospital – A Heart-Warming Experience