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I counted 18 baby blankets while cleaning out my son’s closet the other day. Most of them are unused (except for a couple of ultra-lightweight muslin swaddle blankets). Living in East Tennessee simply didn’t provide many opportunities to use these beautiful blankets — because it’s so hot.
I know that I’ve kept these baby blankets for much too long. But each one has sentimental value. Every single one of them was either handmade or given to us out of love from friends and family at our baby shower over 2 years ago.
I wasn’t sure if my baby blanket abundance was an anomaly or not, but I knew they needed to be donated to a special cause.
Wondering where to donate used baby blankets? Here’s my feel-good story about donating blankets to charity…
My Experience Donating Baby Blankets
I discovered the perfect charity after attending a recent benefit concert, where my friend Monet Maddux was playing at The Shed (a concert venue in Maryville, TN).
At the time, I didn’t know much about the Rock the Cradle benefit — but I was curious to find out more information after Monet announced that the national foundation had saved 4,014 babies already (104 of them in Tennessee).
What on earth could they be saving babies from?…
The next day I did some research and checked out the website. I contacted the local organization here in my community via email (A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee) and asked if they accepted used baby blankets for their cause. I received an almost immediate response that they would gladly accept my blankets.
A Secret Safe Place helps to protect newborn infants through community education of the nationwide Safe Haven Law. (In Tennessee, this law gives pregnant women an option to safely surrender their unharmed baby — up to 3 days old — for whatever reason.) The mother can remain anonymous and without fear of persecution after surrendering her baby to an employee at any hospital, birthing center, community health clinic, and various other approved facilities.
I really like how organizations like this are in place to help inform women (who are more than likely scared, unsupported, and feeling hopeless) of their options… and reduce infant abandonment.
I was happy to donate a large bag of blankets so the babies in their care could be swaddled in love. I hope that our handmade blankets will serve as a warm hug of love for each and every baby.
Where To Donate Used Baby Blankets In The U.S.
No matter where you live in the United States, you can donate baby blankets through National Safe Haven Alliance organizations all across the country.
Find a place to donate baby blankets near you.
Another popular organization that accepts blankets for charity is Project Linus. They have chapters in all 50 states.
Find a Project Linus chapter near you that accepts used baby blankets.
Here’s a list of other organizations that may also accept baby blanket donations locally:
- Churches – Call churches in your community. Some of the bigger churches have missionary trips and other outlets that could distribute donated blankets. Church and ministry groups often have connections that can get used baby blankets to the places where they’re needed most.
- Hospitals – Some hospitals will accept baby blanket donations. Check with your local hospital, especially if they have a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or if the majority of patients are below the poverty line.
- Pregnancy Centers – Contact your local Pregnancy Center or Birthing Center. I would imagine the staff at these centers tend to develop a relationship with their clients and probably know of a family in need.
- Homeless Shelters – Domestic Violence Centers and Homeless Shelters would more than likely accept donations of used baby blankets, or at least know of families in need who may be experiencing a temporary hardship.
How To Repurpose Baby Blankets
Now, for those of you who are looking for ways to upcycle some of your cherished blankets, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite ways to repurpose baby blankets:
- Make an adorable basket from several used baby blankets — these would be so cute in a storage cube!
- Make a dog bed from your used baby blankets — similar to a patchwork quilt.
- Make a cute pillow from a single used newborn blanket — it’s soft and child-size.
Other Ways To Reduce Baby Clutter
In addition to the links I’ve included above, here are some of our other articles helping parents reduce and reuse baby things:
- Too Much Baby Stuff: The Best Way To Reduce Baby Clutter
- How To Organize Toddler Toys & Avoid Toy Clutter
- 10 Items I’ve Used Almost Every Day In Baby’s First 6 Months
- These Are The Only Things You Need To Buy For Your New Baby
I’m a new mom. I work from home and I write — mostly about my outdoor adventures, DIY projects, newly discovered products, and helpful tips as a first-time mom. I also like to share details about the alternative choices I’m exploring as I enjoy this journey called motherhood. My family includes a toddler, 2 stepchildren, 1 dog, 1 cat, and a wonderful husband. My pre-pregnancy life was full of freedom and adventure, so I have a fresh new perspective when it comes to walking away from a career to become a full time stay-at-home Mama.
