The children and youth at our church are involved in various service projects throughout the year such as Thanksgiving food baskets delivered to needy families in the area; the Warm Woolly Tree for collecting scarves, hats and mittens; making lunches for the Rescue Mission, gathering items for local food pantries, and collecting children’s books for at risk children.
Our middle school and high school youth have also participated in various work trips both locally and out of state.
The Stuffy Wellness Center Project
The Stuffy Wellness Center Project is a children and youth service project that collects previously loved plush toys and rehabilitates them for new adventures. The ultimate goals of this project are to reduce the plush toy waste in our community and to increase love, care and joy for all. We are partnered with Finger Lakes Reuse and The Gemm Shop of Trumansburg to source our plush toys. Several area churches and the general public also donate plush toys to the program.
How Does the Program Work?
Once received, we sort the plush toys into categories ranging from “simple spa day” to “full rejuvenation package” and in severe cases “organ donor”. No matter what the toys need, they all receive a thorough deep cleaning. Once all treatments are complete, our Sunday School children and youth work together to create new identities for each plush toy. These toys are then ready for adoption by people of any age.
Do All the Stuffies Get Adopted?
We do our best to give all donated plush toys another chance for adventures but some are just not able to continue having adventures in their original form. So we create new items for use or wear, using as much as we can of the materials. Current reuse creations include: puppets, bookmarks, pocket hugs, headbands, teddy chairs – with many more ideas to come!
Why Are We Doing This?
Plush Toys are symbols of love, comfort and compassion. Besides play, they also help with healing and stress reduction. Despite all their positive benefits, nearly 8 million are sent to landfill annually. The program’s goals directly connect to the teachings of renewal, mending (literal and spiritual), welcoming and ecological stewardship we believe and practice in our faith.
How Can I Help?
Adopt: Anyone age 18 and under can adopt free of charge at these events but all are welcome to give a donation so we can keep the program going and growing.
Upcoming Open Adoption Events:
- Juneteenth at Southside Community Center, June 14, 12:00-6:00 p.m.
Past Open Adoption Events:
- Ithaca Festival on Cayuga Street, May 30 & 31, 2025 – in progress
- Better Together at Stewart Park, May 10, 2025 – 60 adoptions
- Ithacon at Ithaca College, May 5, 2025 – 55 adoptions
We Have Three New Featured Stuffies Available for Adoption?
