Wanted: Stuffed animals for K.I.D.S.
Local nonprofit organization Kindness In Doing Something (K.I.D.S.) is asking Yuma to donate new stuffed animals.
Kids CuddleKit Closet reaches out to children in need of kindness through its three programs: the school cuddlekit program, pediatric cuddlekit program and Kindness Makes a Difference Day in December.
K.I.D.S. co-director Kristan Sheppeard said in order for the organization to keep the pediatric program going, K.I.D.S. puts on a big stuffing day June 5 that involves bringing in 1,000 each of pillowcases, stuffed animals, coloring books, children's books, activity items and thank you cards.
Sheppeard said the organization needs 1,000 stuffed animals for the event, but currently has only 250. “We're still needing 750 stuffed animals.”
Sheppeard asked that stuffed animals donated to the organization be new, small enough to fit in a pillowcase, soft and “cuddly.”
“We want it to be something that if your child was in the hospital, you'd be excited to hand them, and they would hold onto it and snuggle it and feel better.”
Sheppeard said K.I.D.S. prides itself on not putting together a generic product for the children. “We always have a lot of detail on what's inside each cuddlekit because we want it to be special.”
Sheppeard added that the June 5 stuffing day will serve two purposes: to stuff cuddlekits for the local pediatrics unit and to teach local children how to pay the kindness forward by building the kits.
The event will be set up so the children are stuffing the cuddlekits while they learn about what they are doing and how they are helping, she said.
“We've seen the need from families wanting to teach their children how to be generous and charitable and kind.”
Kids Helping K.I.D.S. Day will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. June 5 at Centennial Middle School, 2650 W. 20th St.
Sheppeard said the event is open to the public.
For more information on how to donate stuffed animals or get involved with Kids Helping K.I.D.S. Day, call Sheppeard at 246-9108 or visit www.cuddlekit.org.
