"Comfort Dolls from Our Community" (see links below) is a charitable organization dedicated to distributing hand-made dolls to children who have been involved in crisis situations. Dolls are often used in therapy to help children that have been involved in traumatic, life-altering, crisis situations - from hurricanes and tornadoes to house fires and hospital stays. Our one main and simple purpose - to reach out to children who need comfort.

After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of refugees from New Orleans came to Houston with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Many of them were bewildered, frightened children.

WE NEEDED COMFORT DOLLS - RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.
 

The Ugli Doll, designed by Pepper, is only one possible pattern. There are others available on the Comfort Dolls web site (Patterns link below). We suggest a simple, huggable doll with no specific gender or race. Cheerful and soft are the most important elements. Small children seem to prefer good-sized dolls - the Ugli Doll is 24" tall. Dolls need to be sturdy, strongly stitched, well stuffed with polyfill, and washable. Clothes sewn on or removable are your option.

Use dark or whimsical colors for skin, or even prints with maybe a circle of plain fabric for the face. Don't use buttons or anything a small child could pull or chew off and swallow. Minimal features and yarn hair, or none at all,  are to be preferred. Don't spend precious time on fancy details and embellishments. Go for colorful and sturdy.

If you don’t have an easy doll pattern handy, check the patterns link below.
PS: ANY cuddly doll will be appreciated!

Comfort Dolls from Our Community          More About Ugli Doll          More About Comfort Dolls          Patterns

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