Think Wild, a 501(c)(3) wildlife rehabilitation center in Bend, Oregon, announced a fundraising goal of $13,000 to replace its aging laundry equipment. The nonprofit treats roughly 1,000 injured and orphaned native animals annually, and clean towels, blankets and bedding are essential to maintaining the high sanitation standards required for animal care.
Why the upgrade matters
Since opening in 2020, Think Wild has cared for more than 3,300 wildlife patients representing over 200 species. The hospital currently relies on residential‑style washing machines and dryers that were never designed for the volume of laundry generated by patient care. Staff and volunteers must manually scrape food, feces and debris from each item before washing, a labor‑intensive process that slows turnaround and increases the risk of disease transmission.
In addition to the sheer amount of laundry, biosecurity protocols require that towels, blankets and sheets be sorted and washed separately to prevent the spread of illnesses such as avian influenza. Upgrading to commercial‑grade, stackable washer‑dryer units will streamline this process, reduce manual labor, and help protect both the animals and the volunteers who care for them.
Breakdown of the $13,000 project
- $9,400 for two commercial stackable washer and dryer units.
- $1,800 for electrical upgrades, including a new 240‑volt receptacle.
- $1,270 for laundry‑room improvements, equipment transportation and installation.
- $530 for plumbing and additional electrical supplies such as vents and water connections.
The total cost reflects the need for a complete overhaul of the laundry space, ensuring the new equipment can operate safely and efficiently within the existing facility.
How the community can help
Think Wild is seeking donations from local residents, businesses and visitors. Contributions can be made through the hospital’s website or by contacting the organization directly. The nonprofit also runs a wildlife hotline (541‑241‑8680) that is staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing a point of contact for anyone who wishes to learn more about the fundraising effort or volunteer opportunities.
Supporters of Think Wild emphasize that a strong, well‑equipped laundry system is a critical, though often overlooked, component of wildlife rehabilitation. By ensuring clean, disease‑free bedding, the hospital can continue its mission of rescuing, treating and releasing Oregon’s native wildlife back into the wild.
Looking ahead
With the new equipment in place, Think Wild expects faster turnaround times for cleaning supplies, allowing staff and volunteers to focus more on direct animal care. The upgrade also positions the hospital to handle future increases in patient volume as the organization expands its outreach, education programs and habitat restoration projects throughout Central Oregon.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
