In-Kind Donations
Share your Nature Treasures!
At The Nature Connection, even the simplest items can spark wonder and connection. Whether it’s a perfectly spiraled shell or a roll of paper towels, your in-kind donations help us care for animals, run engaging programs, and bring nature to those who need it most.
High Priority Items
Program Materials:
Moose Antlers
Turtle Shells
Unusual Pine Cones & Seed Pods
Solid Colored Bed Sheets
Animal Care:
Timothy Hay
Treats & Toys for Bunnies, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas
Nature Treasures with a Purpose
Have a basket of pine cones from your walk in the woods? A pocketful of acorns or stones that feel too special to toss? We give new life to these items by turning them into tools for storytelling, sensory engagement, and hands-on exploration in our therapeutic programs.
We gladly accept clean, well-preserved natural items such as:
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Pinecones, acorns, seed pods, and unique twigs
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Smooth stones, shells, fossils, or minerals
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Dried leaves, flowers, bark, or moss (clean and pest-free)
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Ethical finds like feathers (non-migratory birds only), wasp or hornet nests, snake sheds, or antlers
Please ensure items are collected ethically — without harming wildlife or protected lands — and are dry, clean, and free of insects or mold.
These treasures help us bring the outside, inside — especially for those who can no longer experience nature directly.
Supplies for Our Animals
Our rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other animal companions play a vital role in our programs — helping spark connection, calm, and joy for people of all ages and abilities. To keep them healthy and happy, we follow carefully tailored care routines, including species-specific diets, enrichment, and safe enclosures.
We gratefully accept a small number of essential supplies that directly support our animal care:
What We Can Accept:
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Timothy hay (fresh, clean, and unflavored)
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Paper towels & Disposable Nitrile Gloves (for daily cleaning and care)
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Hand & Dawn Dish Soap
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Gift cards to pet supply stores (PetSmart, Petco, Chewy, etc.)
These items help us provide consistent, high-quality care and keep our animal spaces clean, safe, and comforting.
What We Cannot Accept:
While we deeply appreciate your generosity, we are unable to accept most other animal-related items, including:
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Pet food or treats (even if new or unopened)
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Alfalfa Hay
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Bedding (e.g., wood shavings, paper bedding, fleece)
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Toys, cages, water bottles, or accessories
Because our animals have thoughtfully curated diets and enrichment routines, we do not substitute products or introduce new items unless they’ve been evaluated and approved by our animal care team. This ensures the safety and comfort of each animal — and the success of every interaction they support.
If you’re ever unsure whether an item is a good fit, we’re happy to talk it through!
Please reach out before dropping off donations:
Ready to Donate?
To coordinate a drop-off or ask about specific needs, please contact us at: 978-369-2585 or info@nature-connection.org