I responded to the post about a hypothetical ferret shelter operator buying shoes with a donation, and it got me thinking. Most shelter operators pay for a lot of the supplies out of their own pockets, most items not in the food/litter/treats/toys category are generally paid for out of pocket. These items can be as costly as the food/litter, and aren't always donated as often. So I decided to make a list of items that you could donate to your local shelter that would help take a load off the budget. Some of these are obvious, others not as. It might be a good idea to ask the shelter operator which brands they like/use before purchasing the items, and not all of these items would be needed by all shelters. Some of these items are inexpensive, and if four or five people each dropped off just one smaller item to their local shelter once a week, it would make a world of difference! And while you're there, spend ten minutes to scoop a couple pans or clip the nails on even one ferret! :) Laundry soap Paper towels Garbage bags Work gloves Bungee cords Cleansers Scrubbies Mop/Broom/Swiffer A Dustbuster with extra filters A HEPA unit, or filters for the one they already have Large garbage can Clamps Cage card holders and index cards A copy of "Essentials if Ferrets, A Guide for Practitioners" which ALL shelters should have in their library Rubbermaid "type" bins Postage Stamps Envelopes Ink jet cartridges Copy/printer paper A postage scale that weighs in lbs/oz and grams up to ten pounds A Snuggle Safe heat rock [We were given one of these during the NJ Christmas Rescue, and it truly SAVED THE LIFE of a ferret who had a difficult time recovering after a rough surgery. It saved other ferrets after as well. I still remember who gave it to us, and still thank her from the bottom of my heart. I think she reads this list and knows who she is :) ] A small microwave A small hand mixer A stethescope A package of Sharpie brand markers Shower curtain clips Wet/Dry ShopVac A color printer Clorox wipes Phone card Squares of linoleum tile Pillow cases from the dollar bin at your local discount retailer I'm sure there are a ton of other things that your local shelter could use, next time you're there, look around and see what they are using that you could bring. Or be creative and think about what might make their life easier. Before making a large purchase, be sure to consult with the shelter about it. Thanks in advance for supporting your local shelter! Anne [Posted in FML issue 4311]