yes. stuffed animals. hopefully clean ones...

That is a really curious question; I've really had to stop and think about this one. I scavenge constantly, sometimes for stuff to put into my assemblages and Memory Boxes, sometimes to "decorate" the house and garden, sometimes for no reason other than I like stuff. I do find certain man made things regularly (playing cards off the top of my head) and do enjoy collecting odd rocks and driftwood bits etc, but things that give me a sense of "security" to find...hmmm. I get pleasure from finding a particular type of rusty metal bit that looks like an "E", my initial, but that doesn't make me "secure", I just like them. I love finding toy cars like Hot Wheels but again, this isn't the junk equivalent to Comfort Food.
One of my very favourite finds ever is a little 4" high Steiff monkey that I actually spotted at the side of the road from my moving car. I thought it might be one of those clip on stuffed koalas, which i have no great fondness for, but something said "pull over". Finding this beautifully made little german monkey was like magic. I tucked him into the right breast pocket of my red jean jacket, head and one arm waving out, and he has lived there ever since, at least 7 years. Everywhere I go in that jacket people always ask about him, from check out clerks to little old ladies. I always feel a little embarressed as everyone wants to know if he has a name, and he has always, cliche as it is, been George to me. He has brought me much wonderful interaction with the world and I do get great comfort from rubbing the top of his fuzzy little noggin, but he was a once in a lifetime find, so not really what you're after I suppose.
I'll have to think more on this.
Thanks for the puzzle.
E