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audreyscan · Member

Donate a doll

Play Days Dolls · Guru

Thank you for the suggestion, Audrey. I would also recommend removing magnets if anyone decides to do this.

Buffington · Guru

Great idea! And yes, do remove any magnets as they should never be around anyone with a pacemaker or implanted defibulator.
I did my internship at a local Parkinson's care center. It was like adult daycare for those people. I brought in about 4 of my babies to show the group. We had several who were non-responsive to the usual stimuli but they just came to life when they held my babies. Even some men, and one I almost didn't get the baby back from. But they were so very gentle with them. It was amazing to experience!

Tina W. · Guru

What a wonderful and thoughful idea!

DollyM · Veteran Member

I started working at a nursing home a couple of months ago as activity assistant. I took one of my preemie kits that I had and never got around to doing and took it to a resident that loved dolls and helped her make it. EVERYONE loved the doll so I was trying to figure out a way to get others a doll too so I decided to offer a class and charge enough to cover the cost of being able to order more kits for the other residents that love dolls. The residents are so excited, I am getting ready to order more kits, they ask everyday when we will be making more babies! I have found that even the lower level Dementia afflicted patients are intensely curious about the dolls and they will pay attention to them far longer than anything else I try to do with them. Dolls are an amazing therapy tool, especially the realistic looking ones. I think it just brings out a gentle side to the residents, especially the mothers who have memories attached to feelings.

(Your photo has been removed per the terms of the forum. Please post a link instead. Photos are only allowed in artist showcase.)

-- Edited by Buffington on Saturday 20th of February 2010 01:51:05 PM

DollyM · Veteran Member

I didn't see an edit button but I wanted to add that I offered a class to staff of the nursing home and the community and used the profit from that to order more dolls for the residents to make so that they are not charged. Most of the residents couldn't afford a doll like this so I offset it with the class fees for non residents.

livingdoll · Veteran Member

I to have taken one of my babies into a nursing home and had to keep reminding one dear eldery lady that she was not real it was amazing I throughly enjoyed seeing these dear old soles with a great smile on their faces when they were holding the doll it is something I will certainly be doing again and yes a gret idea to give one away to a nursing home just hope they don't fight over it LOL

DollyM · Veteran Member

livingdoll wrote:

I to have taken one of my babies into a nursing home and had to keep reminding one dear eldery lady that she was not real it was amazing I throughly enjoyed seeing these dear old soles with a great smile on their faces when they were holding the doll it is something I will certainly be doing again and yes a gret idea to give one away to a nursing home just hope they don't fight over it LOL
That's why they all need their own!

Judie · Veteran Member

I have some tinies that I just can't seem to shake...lol. this sounds like a wonderful idea! do you call the homes and check with them or just visit administration?

by the way...that lady's hair is gorgeous!!!

-- Edited by Judie on Thursday 14th of January 2010 10:25:28 PM

DollyM · Veteran Member

Administration is generally too busy and kind of out of touch with what the residents need/want anyway so I would ask for the activity director. If you could come up with some extra clothing or take the clothing off and let them pick out what they like and dress the doll themselves, that would be even better.

That ladies name is Bernice, she is really sweet, she is so proud of her doll. She is nearly blind so I did most of the work on her doll and held the body open so she could put stuffing into so she could say that she made it herself.

Play Days Dolls · Guru

It's so nice to hear first hand about the residents' reactions to the dolls. Thank you so much for sharing how meaningful the classes and donations can be.

tamara88 · Newbie

It's a very great idea that in our own little way, through donating the unused dolls that we have, there is someone we are helping. Not only kids, but those oldies that are sick and need attentions.

Buffington · Guru

Keep up the good work! It's always good to help those who don't normally get much (IMHO) thought any longer. You don't have to be young to enjoy dolls ;)

mactopolis · Senior Member

I alway show my babies to older ladies and guys where ever I go with them(if there are older folks where I go)...you can see a glow in their faces when they hold and cuddle them..

Same as with handicapped children,there were two handicapped(mentally challenged) young girls who really loved my Angelo(Now my only boy baby)
They were about 7 and 10,they looked so so happy holding him,I wanted to cry...

-- Edited by mactopolis on Monday 26th of July 2010 05:01:49 PM

-- Edited by mactopolis on Monday 26th of July 2010 05:02:27 PM

Buffington · Guru

Awwww

Play Days Dolls · Guru

So touching! Isn't it amazing that these dolls can have such an effect on people?

Linda