Volunteers sew outfits for 48 unclothed dolls
Several months ago, an anonymous donor dropped off 48 brand-new dolls at The Salvation Army’s headquarters in Roseville. The dolls are high-quality Götz dolls, valued at $30–$50 each.
We were thankful for the donation, but there was a problem: The dolls didn’t have any clothes (pictured right). How could we hand out unclothed dolls to children at Christmastime?
The solution: Mobile Menders, a Twin Cities volunteer group dedicated to providing free sewing services. Prior to the doll donation, Mobile Menders founder Michelle Ooley had contacted The Salvation Army asking if she and her volunteers could help with anything. Sewing doll outfits turned out to be the perfect project.
Mobile Menders volunteers got straight to work, sewing a variety of outfits just in time for the Christmas season.
“We have volunteers from several different countries,” Ooley said. “One lady sewed Russian doll clothes to honor her culture.”
Other volunteers took the project just as seriously, sewing multiple outfits for each doll. For a personalized touch, each doll included a handwritten note from the volunteer who made its clothes.
The Salvation Army thanks Mobile Menders and the anonymous person who donated the dolls. These dolls and their adorable, handmade outfits are sure to put huge smiles on 48 little faces.
Toy shortage
Last week the Twin Cities community responded to our urgent request for toys by donating lots of toys and more than $10,000. But more toys are still needed for our seven Toy Shop distributions next week. Most needed are toys for kids ages 6–9 and 10-plus.
You can help the Twin Cities Salvation Army provide toys for children in need by giving in any of the following ways:
- Donate online. The Salvation Army will use your gift to buy toys.
- Drop off new, unwrapped toys at The Salvation Army’s headquarters, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville.
- Buy toys online and have them shipped to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113.
- Drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of seven Salvation Army worship and service centers in the Twin Cities. Find your nearest location.
Poverty is an everyday battle that families don’t always win. Thankfully, there is an army of loving people like you who fight on their behalf. Your generosity puts food on their table, presents under their tree, and joy in their hearts. Join the fight for good by donating online or at a red kettle, becoming a volunteer bell ringer, or recruiting your own army of fundraisers at FundraiseForGood.org.