Watch for Wish Lists

Keep an out for Wish Lists on charities' websites.

Many animal charities have Wish Lists which give you an idea of the items they need.  Sometimes these items can be quite odd, and you wonder what on earth they need them for.  Well, charities have to be very inventive and ingenious, so they can make use of all sorts of things.

Examples of the things often appearing on wish lists are:

• Sat Nav or GPS systems to help them locate rescue sites more easily
• Binoculars
• Old Lap Tops and computers
• Medical/surgical/veterinary supplies
• Old stationery you no longer need
• Toilet rolls (for guinea pigs to play with)
• Newspapers (for use as bedding)
• Blankets, towels, duvet covers, sheets

Examples are:

Born Free Foundation - looking at their list, they currently need laptop computers, lightweight camping gear, second hand waterproof boots and waterproof digital cameras.   However, this list is by no means exclusive so click here to see what else is needed.

Many Tears Animal Rescue in South Wales have a wish list for the animals coming into their care which include rolls of cotton wool, fleece and thick blankets, shredded paper, envelopes, A4 paper, strong string mop heads and dog shampoo and conditioner.  Their full list is here.

Animal Care in Egypt need old towels or sheets of any size, dog collars of all sizes, head collars for foals and ponies, second hand pony size brushing bots, natural cotton triangular bandages and more.  They are based in Luxor.  Find out more here

So if your office is undergoing a re-haul or you're revamping any area of your home, consider what you could pass on to charities before you chuck it out.  

Additionally, many charities have Wish Lists through Amazon - you visit Amazon from the charities website, and see what they need and buy it for them.  

You never know what can be re-used!