Coats for Cubs
 

Your mission: Collect unwanted fur items to donate to a wildlife rehabilitator.

Why? Animals need their fur more than we do! Wearing fur was once considered a sign of wealth and style. These days, it’s more likely to be seen as a sign of animal suffering. Millions of raccoon dogs, foxes, mink, chinchillas, and other animals are raised in tiny cages on “fur farms.” Other animals are caught in the wild in traps or snares. People who don’t want to support this cruelty choose not to buy or wear fur. 

Some people no longer wear fur but aren’t sure what to do with that old fur coat in the attic. That’s where The Humane Society of the United States’ “Coats for Cubs” program comes in. We collect fur items to give to wildlife rehabilitators. (Rehabilitators take care of injured or orphaned wildlife until they can be released back into their natural habitats.) Rehabbers cut the fur coats, stoles, and gloves down to size, then give them to baby bunnies, raccoons, and other little critters. The animals use them as burrows, blankets, and “playmates.”

How? Ask people in your community to give their furs or fur-trimmed items back to the animals. Follow the steps below.

1. Promise to be fur-free. First, set a good example for others by promising not to wear fur!

2. Decide on the details. Decide when and where to hold your collection. Think of places where you can set up drop boxes. These might include schools, community centers, churches, vet hospitals, or libraries. Come up with a deadline for people to drop off items.

3. Be creative. Decorate large, sturdy cardboard boxes to use as drop boxes. (Many businesses throw boxes away—ask local stores to save a few for you.) On your boxes, write “Coats for Cubs.” Describe the problems with wearing fur. Explain how the furs you’re collecting will be used. Add some pictures of baby wild animals.

4. Get the word out. Make posters explaining your project to hang around town. Ask if you can make an announcement over the PA system at school.  Write a letter about your project to your local newspaper. Contact radio and TV stations and ask if they would mention it on the air. Be sure to mention that fur is cruel and urge others not to wear fur.

5. Pack it up. Once your deadline has passed, gather the items and pack them up. Send them to:

The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037  
Attn: Coats for Cubs            

Note: If you need help getting the furs to us, please e-mail us.

6. Tell us about it. Fill out our Mission: Accomplished form. Let us know how your project went and how many items you collected!
We'll send you a Compassion is My Fashion temporary tattoo, pictured on the right.