1,800 Stuffed Animals Waiting for Good Homes
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What began as a teenager's project to help sick children has turned into a tale of teddy bears, dry cleaning and generosity.
It may look like a normal RV parked outside a Churchville home, but stored inside is nearly 1,800 stuffed animals.
"I have homemade ones, I have huge new ones," said Kaleena Hill. "There's like all sorts."
For her 16th birthday Hill asked for donated stuffed animals instead of gifts.
"When I was little my lung collapsed," said Hill. "I was like 16 is a big number, I should do something back for the community."
Her plan was to give the animals to kids in the hospital where she spent a lot of time.
"It's a heartbreaking experience and to have something there you can hold, talk to, anything would help," said Hill. "I collected to Churchville Chili Middle School and High School and they just kept coming in."
A clear success. Just one problem.
"I wanted to give them to hospitals, but once they found out they were gently used they said no thanks," said Hill. "It's about protocol because of like allergies and everything."
It seemed like all this generosity was going to set in the RV, until Hill found a loophole.
"I found out from my mother's friend that if they're dry cleaned that they're just as good as new," said Hill.
Eureka! She's already found a dry cleaner willing to take care of the estimated 1,600 that need cleaning, for free.
"But we're still collecting donations to give to them because we feel bad," said Hill.
At a time of year when many places are looking for donations, in this case the donations are overflowing and looking for homes.
"All I know is I need more places to bring them to," said Hill.
Places where the stuffed bundles of joy can get into the hands of kids who will cherish them.
"Holidays are especially good for giving because you know most people now think it's all about the presents," said Hill. "I think it's about giving to others still."
A spirit that's loud and clear inside a packed RV.
If you know of a place that could use some of the newly cleaned stuffed animals, you can email Hill at southline01@aol.com.