Bloodshot Records Stuffed Animal Toy Drive Ends Tomorrow

By Lisa White in News on Dec 12, 2013 11:00PM

Stuffed Animals via Bloodshot Record's Facebook page

Our friends at Bloodshot Records are asking their local fans and friends to embrace the holiday spirit of giving to others with their 5th annual stuffed animal toy drive.

After receiving a letter from a 6-year-old girl simply asking for a warm hat in 2008 (“a toy or stuffed animal didn’t even make her radar”), co-founder Rob Miller decided that he found it “unconscionable that any child in this country, a country of so much, should be wanting for something so basic as a stuffed animal at this time of year.” He makes a valid point that “even in these difficult times, most of us are doing pretty ok comparatively.”

Since then Miller and the Bloodshot family have collected stuffed animals, asked folks to spend some time going through closets or overloaded toy boxes for gently used stuffed animals to donate. The recipients of the stuffed animals are students at the Nicholson Technology Academy in Englewood. Last year they were able to collect enough so every child in kindergarten through 2nd grade received their very own stuffed animal for the holidays.

They’ll be collecting stuffed animals tomorrow, Dec. 13, at the Bottle Rockets sold-out album release show at the Hideout. If you're going, consider bringing a toy along, as well. You can also drop off your toys tomorrow at Bloodshot's offices at 3039 W. Irving Park Rd. by 5 p.m. In return they promise a little goodie to thank you. Toys need to be in by Dec. 13 so they can be distributed in a timely manner, so spend some time tonight cleaning out your closet so you can brighten the holidays for a kid this year.

Here are the guidelines for donations:
- They are ONLY accepting stuffed animals. No toys, games, clothing or other items.
- Only new or very gently used an in excellent and unsoiled condition.
- Must be soft and cuddly, not stiff.
- No donations smaller than 6 inches or bigger than 18 inches tall.
- No Beanie Babies.
- Nothing animated or talking (battery operated)
- No TV cartoon characters (only exceptions are soft classic Disney characters like Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Snoopy, etc. Nothing Sponge Bob, Sesame Street or Action Heros.)
- No sea animals, bugs or reptiles.
- Holiday theme stuffed animals with seasonal trimmings removed are ok (cut off any Santa hate, Valentine hearts, etc.).