Embarking on a January declutter? Save your unwanted towels, blankets and sheets for animal shelters around the country. With rescue dogs in need of warm beds this winter, now is the perfect time to help those that have been saved from cruelty and neglect.
While most shelters will welcome your donations, it's worth knowing that they don't accept pillows or feather duvets. Each local centre or branch may need different items depending on how much storage space they have, so it's always best to check first.
"We greatly appreciate donations of towels, blankets, duvets and other bedding to our animal centres as these items can help provide comfort and warmth to the animals in our care this winter," the RSPCA told Team Dogs.
"What may seem like rubbish to you can actually make a real difference in helping animals that have been rescued by the RSPCA from cruelty and neglect."
Emilija ManevskaGetty ImagesAnimals in Distress explain just how your donations can help: "We make sure the dogs get plenty of exercise. Whether it’s walking through the lanes around Ipplepen, chasing a ball in the field or having a go on the agility equipment, we give the dogs lots of time outside. If you have any towels that you no longer need, we would love to have them. We don't mind how threadbare they are, we can still use them."
As well as towels and bedding, other items that are useful to donate include pet beds, cat scratching posts, toys, old coats, and dog harnesses. Before throwing items away, consider how they could help animals in need.
Take a look at the full list of charities that you can donate to:
1. Dog Trust Centres
2. Scottish SPCA Centres
3. National Animal Welfare Trust Centres
4. Cardiff Dogs Home
5. Battersea Dogs and Cats
6. Cats Protection
7. Animals in Distress
8. Bath Cats and Dogs Home
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