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The organization's president, Kimberly \"Tashi\" Brewster, started the platform in 2017 after noticing a viral Facebook post from Appalachian Wildlife Refuge co-founder and wildlife rehabilitator Savannah Trantham where she showed how you can use your old mascara wands on wildlife animals.

\"PHOTO:
Wands for Wildlife
PHOTO: Through Appalachian Wildlife Refuge's Wands for Wildlife program you can donate your old mascara wands toward a great cause.
>

\"The organization engages people in ways to support wildlife rehabilitation efforts and encourages greater mindfulness of the impact from human activities, including the use of plastics, on the environment,\" Brewster told \"GMA.\"

She also pointed out that mascara wands specifically work well because the bristles are soft and close together.

Brewster said, \"They reduce the risk of potential injury to tiny patients -- especially squirmy babies.\"

\"PHOTO:
Wands for Wildlife
PHOTO: Through Appalachian Wildlife Refuge's Wands for Wildlife program you can donate your old mascara wands toward a great cause.
>

How do you donate?

Before mailing in your donation, mascara wands should be cleaned with warm, soapy water to remove residual mascara and dried completely before packaging. For cushioning, use new trash bags or a towel that can be repurposed.

There is also a Wands for Wildlife submission form that should be filled out and included in your package before mailing to the organization's North Carolina address: Appalachian Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 1211, Skyland, N.C. 28776.

Brewster confirmed there have been over 300,00 old mascara wands donated.

\"What is more amazing is that we have accepted large quantities of wands that have never been used as well,\" she said. \"They are either surplus or discontinued/damaged wands from companies.\"

She added, \"These are great for the Rehabber Resources packages. When you add those in, we have received over a million wands. Lots of magic happening to help animals, the environment and to get people actively involved.\"

\"PHOTO:
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge/Wands for Wildlife
PHOTO: Through Appalachian Wildlife Refuge's Wands for Wildlife program you can donate your old mascara wands toward a great cause.
>

In addition to wands, Wands for Life has received touching notes that inspire their volunteer team to continue the work needed to make this platform possible.

\"The impact is not only on helping the animals and reducing plastic, but also engaging and educating people of all ages about our impact on wildlife and the environment,\" said Brewster.

\"What is even more important is how this initiative is drawing attention to our impact on the natural world and inspiring people, especially youth, to take action, learn more and find ways to make the world a better place for all,\" Brewster continued. \"We sure need opportunities like this to do some good, now more than ever.\"

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