Sadie Hutson, a 12‑year‑old from Dubson, NC, collected 114 stuffed animals from thrift stores this summer, repaired them by hand, and donated them to children who lost homes in recent fires.
Jon McCollum, the American Red Cross Disaster Program Manager, noted that a surge in house fires had left shelters short of comfort items. He said the loss of familiar objects hurts children the most, prompting a call for volunteers.
Hutson explained she saw the worn toys as potential helpers rather than trash. She spent weeks cleaning, mending seams, and stuffing each animal to give it a new life. “Seeing the stories of the families made it personal,” she told reporters.
The repaired toys now travel to the Central Surry Volunteer Fire Department, where volunteers hand them out to families in shelters. A nine‑year‑old who lost his house said the teddy comforted him more than any other gift.
McCollum highlighted the environmental benefit, noting that repairing instead of discarding reduces waste. He urges more volunteers to join the initiative, and the next step is a donation drive in neighboring counties by September 15.