Our country has far too many children who need comfort and joy in this holiday season. So, I'm trying to do a little something about that in my county.
I live close to a JoAnn Fabrics store, which is a real 'plus' during the winter months. I don't have to drive long or far in any traffic or inclement weather. Every year, the store seems to offer a stuffed animal for sale at the holidays at very reasonable prices. I've stocked up on a variety of animals during the past several years: 'boy' and 'girl' bears of many fur colors, white Husky dogs, and moose toys, too.
The 'art' involved in this project is locating flannel with appropriate designs that I can sew into doubled one-yard square 'receiving blankets' for the stuffed toys. Each animal is accompanied by a small book for the little child to have for his or her very own. The animal, and the book, and the blanket all reside in a light canvas carrying bag that has been stamped in one front corner with a small rendition of Winnie the Pooh and Piglet. I have included a 'name tag' in a plastic holder that is attached to a bag handle. It states that it was made with love, and has a place for the new owner's name.
The filled bags will be delivered this coming Saturday to Issaquah, WA - not far from where I live. The destination is a non-profit called KidVenture [formerly Eastside Baby Corner]. They are about to host a gift-giving event for families who are currently in financial distress and possibly homeless and living in their cars with children. KidVenture is doing an amazing, herculean job keeping babies and children of all ages through twelve in diapers, clothing, and gifts. All year long.
I have also created adult-sized double fleece blankets for the older kids, and age-appropriate fleece blankets for the younger ones. It takes very little time and money to make an effort to help those so much less fortunate than I am. It brings joy to me to be able to participate in such a worthy cause that KidVenture has taken on over the years. They've grown exponentially as the need has constantly pushed their limits and beyond.
So, I get to play with soft fabric and colors and adorable stuffed toys and send my love to the kids that will soon take over the care of the animals for me.
