Caring for Children in Need
Caring Strangers is a personal charity organization that collects and donates stuffed animals to the Doernbecar Children's Hospital. For the past 4 years, we have donated over 600+ stuffed animals to bring joy and comfort to children during their hospital stays. Our mission is to continue growing our toy drive efforts and provide more donations to brighten the lives of these young patients.
Our Why
My Story
At the age of 13, I was hospitalized due to a rare autoimmune condition called Multiple Sclerosis that caused severe damage to my spinal cord. Over four years, my health deteriorated significantly, leaving me with multiple spinal cord lesions, unable to walk, and dependent on invasive medical treatments. Beyond the physical challenges, the long months spent in the hospital felt isolating and mentally exhausting. During that time, having a comforting stuffed animal made a world of difference. The first stuffed animal given to me in the hospital proceeded to spend every admission from there on by my side.
Why Stuffed Animals
My experience taught me just how powerful something as simple as a stuffed animal can be. They offer more than just comfort; they can also play a role in physical rehabilitation. Patients and nurses have found them useful in surgery recovery, often using them as substitutes for pillows to aid in positioning and support. Stuffed animals are also a wildly excepted item for all age ranges!
Local Support
We've collected independently through family and friends each year, but Caring Strangers wouldn't be where they are today without the help from are community. Over the last four years, we've partnered with Inspire PT in Beaverton, OR, among other local shops such as Holiday Divine. This year we are excited to announce we'll also collect stuffed animals at NXT Level Fitness in Hillsboro, OR.
Support Caring Strangers
All proceeds go to the purchase of stuffed animals. Six to ten dollars equates to about one small stuffed animal.