Raggedy Hugs
Raggedy Land, the well known Raggedy Ann Gift Store and authors of the Raggedy Land online Newsletter on Raggedy Ann Dolls has launched "Gulf Coast Raggedy Hugs" to provide Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls throughout the areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. Working with pastor Bob Zaninni and his church, the Jordan Assembly of God in Lafayette, Louisiana (a community just west of New Orleans) in conjunction with the Red Cross, donations are being accepted of new and gently used Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls.
Dolls For Children Who Have Lost Everything
Soft, huggable, comforting dolls such as Raggedy Ann and Andy are often the type of dolls that mental health professionals recommend after a tragedy or disaster as being best for children. The dolls can be comforting to older people as well. Many of the children from this area have lost all of their possessions, and toys and dolls are often way down on the list of belongings that need to be replaced, yet such dolls can do great deals of good. Similar, successful Raggedy Hugs programs were run for victims of 9/11 and last year’s Florida hurricanes and were very successful.
Where And How To Donate Raggedy Anns and Andys
Anyone who is interested in donating a new or very gently used (in excellent condition) Raggedy Ann or Andy doll to this effort should send it in care of:
Gulf Coast Raggedy Hugs
c/o Pastor Bob Zannini
Jordan Assembly of God
6408 Johnston St.
Lafayette, LA 70503
Operation Smiles
Another relief effort focusing on dolls is Operation Smiles, which has been organized by collector Leigh Bonfanti Operation Smiles is coordinating the collection of toys and games of all type for the children living in shelters from Pensacola to Baton Rouge.
Where and How To Send Dolls, Toys and Games
For this effort, please send dolls (or games and toys) of any type, either new or very gently used (in excellent condition). It is acceptable to attach a note with the doll or toy telling the child where the doll came from and a few words of encouragement. Items fro Operation Smiles should be sent to:
"Operation Smiles"
c/o Karen Shuttlesworth
1160 Foster Mills Lane
Pensacola, FL 32506
Karen Shuttlesworth can be reached at kshuttles@cox.net if you have any further questions on Operation Smiles.
The Generosity of Doll Collectors and The Healing Power of Dolls
Doll collectors are some of the most generous people in the world, and they truly understand the need for dolls at a time like this. The rest of the world might not understand the need for dolls in a relief effort--they might only see see a frivolous, optional object when they look at a doll, but doll lovers know the healing power and joy that a doll can bring.
