Before we left for Haiti, the ladies over at Dollies Making a Difference decided to continue their support of the children in Haiti by making dozens of dollies for the children with whom we work. Dollies Making a Difference (http://dolliesmakingadifference.com/)  began their work after the earthquake in Haiti over three years ago sending more than 600 dollies to children who had likely lost everything. Since then, the women based in west Los Angeles, have continued to bring joy to kids all over the world where disaster has brought pain. From Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Burkina Faso, to Israel, North Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand, these women have tirelessly put their love into the projects they undertake.

In Haiti, Aid Still Required is supporting a children’s program in Cap Haitien with over 100 children who

otherwise would have very little access to safe places to play, learn and grow. When we went to visit the meet with the trainers who run the program and to meet the kids, we were able to deliver the dolls that Dollies Making a Difference provided. It was clear that they loved the gifts.

These were not the only children who received dollies, though. After the earthquake, there was a wave of children who were either orphaned or given up by their parents when they could no longer care for them. As a result, orphanages have been in great demand and have struggled with the demands of feeding, clothing and providing an education for so many.

When we made our way back toward Port-au-Prince, we spent time at one of these orphanages. In addition to the day-to-day challenges that the

children face, it was clear that some of the more simple things that many children take for granted were missed. When we were able to give them

the dollies, there was both excitement and a little bit of shock. To be given something of their own, a new toy that was theirs, was a beautiful thing to witness.

A big thanks to all of the women at Dollies Making a Difference!

To see Andrea’s letter to Dolies Making a Difference, check out their blog here.