Oh, You Beautiful Dolls...

Although I didn't make these dolls, 60+ of them have joined me in my sewing room until I can deliver them to the Dollies Without Borders program. The Dollies  project, which is part of an Arts in Medicine program, distributes dolls on mission trips to children in developing countries. The founder of the program visited the inmates in a women's prison crafting program to introduce them to making the Dollies. Of course making dolls is a big hit and a project the women look forward to. Using donated materials, the women in the program sew, crochet and create a variety of items that are donated to community and charitable organizations. I'm a volunteer with the program, and enjoy being part of their efforts. They meet daily in a secure workroom, and spend their time creating and completing projects like these cute dolls.

The program has value in the prison setting as women get a sense of giving back to the community, a feeling of being productive, and a boost in their self-esteem. They were a little sad to see the dollies leaving when I took them out last week, but they offered a prayer for those children who will receive them. I love to see the variety of faces, clothing, and styles in the dolls they make. And they'll be creating lots more.