ONE WEEK, 500 DOLL CHALLENGE!

Project K.I.D., in partnership with The Just Me Project (http://henrysworld.org/), is seeking 500 amputee dolls by Sunday,
February 7, for distribution to pediatric amputee patients in Haiti. Soft toys, or cuddle pieces, are reassuring to kids of all ages, but especially in times of trauma, dislocation or illness. The Just Me Project features Henry, the three-legged cat, who “has the body of a kitten, but the heart of a lion." Henry’s story has helped hundreds of amputees and their families grapple with the emotional and physical challenges of amputation. Amputee toys have helped kids who have been through an amputation feel normal and valued. The comforting pet or doll is “like them.” This makes it easier for the child and everyone around the child to talk about overcoming the challenges. (continued below)

The dolls are easy to make: Simply remove a limb from a clean stuffed animal or soft (rag-type) doll and neatly re-sew the amputation area. Be sure to use clean child-safe toys in good condition, with no loose parts that could harm toddlers. Contact Project K.I.D.(holdsafe@gmail.com)for more information.

Send completed dolls to:
500 Doll Challenge
GRCMA Early Childhood Directions
3100 Cottage Hill Rd
Building 4
Mobile, AL 36606

The dolls will be sent to Haiti with Henry’s book, workbook and a French-language summary of his story.

See discussion of emotional reactions to amputation. http://www.oandp.org/jpo/library/1992_04_207.asp