WASHINGTON — Is there a fur coat or other fur garment collecting dust in a closet or attic in your home? Did you know you can donate these items to be used to help comfort orphaned and injured wildlife? The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sends all furs to wildlife rehabilitators, who use them as bedding and nesting material for the animals in their care. All donations are tax-deductible.

"This is a creative way to help animals in need," said Danielle Bays, an HSUS wildlife issues associate.

Wildlife rehabilitators cut the fur into an appropriate size for the animal, whether a chipmunk, raccoon, squirrel or opossum, and put it inside the animal's enclosure. The furry blanket becomes a "surrogate mother" to the orphaned or injured animal, reducing stress and giving comfort.

The Humane Society of the United States' Cape Wildlife Center on Cape Cod is one of many wildlife rehab centers that make good use of old furs. "Orphaned baby animals generally do quite well when raised by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator," said Dr. Rachel Blackmer, DVM, director of the Cape Wildlife Center. "At the Center, we often give orphaned baby squirrels and rabbits a small piece of a donated fur coat and they snuggle against it readily. It is very important to minimize human contact with orphaned mammals while still providing comfort and a safe environment," she said.

The HSUS accepts all fur and fur-trimmed apparel, including shearling. Fur accessories including hats, gloves, scarves and muffs are also accepted.

"Ideally, we wish no animals were killed for their fur," Bays said. "Killing animals for their fur is cruel and unnecessary. Unfortunately, that doesn't change the fact that there are many fur coats and accessories languishing in closets and attics everywhere. Donating furs to wildlife rehabilitation is one way to give back to the animals," she said.

Donating is easy. Package your fur in a sturdy box or padded envelope for small items and mail it to Fur-Free Century, The HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. The HSUS will send a letter thanking you for your donation, which should also be kept for your records.

If you plan to itemize tax deductions, you can claim the fair market value—the amount you could sell the fur for today—for your donation. Furs valued at $5,000 or more must have a "qualified appraisal," according to the IRS. You must have this appraisal done before sending The HSUS your donation. Consult your tax attorney for further advice.