All good things...

[susandennis]

Well, it looks like the 10th year taking bears and now dolls to Jeannie (who gets them into small hands) will be the last year. I don't understand all of how she does what she does but it is dependant on a team of nurses. Most are funded by the government and are leaving their jobs now assuming that under the current government, their funding will dry up sooner than later.

Already she wants fewer dolls now. And she wants dolls with hajibs mostly.

She does want more bears. But the bears take longer and aren't as much fun.

I'm bummed. But, hey, it was 10 years of painless giving and I'm grateful for that.

I don't think I want to stop making dolls or make only hajib wearing ones. Plus, I just got all that fabric! And, in fear of running out, I have 30 pounds of stuffing in house and 20 more on the way.

So I need to find another place to give them. They are not OSHA safe and I don't want them to be so that eliminates a lot of options. Jeannie understands this particular aspect and volunteered to ask around for me.

I have zero desire to do any bit of packing and shipping. I have zero desire to sell them.

So... I did just Google 'used toys non-profit seattle' and found a page of a bunch of places like Treehouse For Kids which is not far from here. There are options.

I think until I think of something else, I'll just make as usual and when I get a pile, I'll contact a few places and see if there are any takers.

On the up side, I stopped at Uwajimaya on the way home and totally forgot it was their senior discount window. Every Tuesday 9-11 and I just hit the sweet spot. The guy who checked me out - maybe mid-40's - tentatively asked 'are you aware of our special discount?' Clear he did not want to call me old. The minute he asked, I remembered and flipped out my drivers license. I love being carded for old.

So at least I have a nice lunch waiting and it was cheaper than usual!

Comments

[viridescence13]

Maybe I'll feel differently when I'm old enough to use them, but right now I can't understand NOT wanting to use senior discounts. You should get some kind of perk for making it this long! From what I can tell usually it's no great shakes, like 5% off or free coffee usually not at a place known for good coffee. But a discount is a discount and free shit is free shit. Especially if you were going there anyway. 

I hope you find a good home for the dolls. I love seeing the pattern and color combos you come up with and I look forward to seeing what hijab wearing ones if you make some.  When I first started following you just made bears and while really cute, you have fewer options with them.

[susandennis]

Oh Senior discounts are THE best!! People are often hesitant to offer the discount because they are, then, saying you are old. FINE by me. I'm old and it's fine with me especially if I get free and/or cheap stuff!

Thanks about the bears and dolls. Yeah the bears aren't as much fun to make either but they are in high demand at least until the end of the year.

[fitzjameshorse.livejournal.com]

I love those dolls.

[susandennis]

Thank you. (me, too!)

[twicet.livejournal.com]

That's a pity about the dolls and bear perhaps some of the hospitals or emergency foster care. Safe homes for mothers with children. I hope somewhere will want them.

Sorry for the edit, but what does OSHA stand for?

[susandennis]

Thanks.

Here's the info about OSHA

[twicet.livejournal.com]

I can understand why you don't want to get into all that. Thanks for the info.

[beckonade.livejournal.com]

I've often been curious about the OSHA aspect of the dolls with the bead necklaces you sometimes seem to put on them, but I assumed those ones went to older children. You could maybe try women's shelters? Or after-school/vacation programs for disadvantaged kids?

[underwear-slave.livejournal.com]

What about an orphanage or a women and children's shelter in the area? I always hear that a lot of the people at the women and children's centers leave with basically the clothes on their backs and have nothing. Dolls and bears might be good for cheering up the kids in a hard situation?

[meowmensteen]

Ooh, I remember I used to know someone who worked with Treehouse. I remember they had a guy making wooden toys for them. I wonder if they would be happy with your dolls.

[susandennis]

cool! I'm glad to hear a connection. I think I'm going to send them an email, too. Thanks!

[jaywil.livejournal.com]

Be sure to send pictures. I am sure they will love them!

[susandennis]

Aw thanks! And... I did. I sent out two emails with pictures in both.

[becomingkate.livejournal.com]

I thought I heard something once about fire fighters wanting stuffed animals to give to kids they rescue. I think shelters, hospitals, maybe even mental hospitals (especially those for kids) would like to have them.

[howeird]

Love the bears, am amused by the dolls, you are an angel for making them to give away. ♥

I suppose www.seattlechildrens.org is all about OSHA? Maybe these folks: http://www.marysplaceseattle.org/
?

Anyway, I hope they find new homes.

[susandennis]

Thank you

[zoefruitcake.livejournal.com]

What a shame, but think how many dolls and bears have been clutched as their owner fell asleep. Nothing more comforting than something to hug in bed (apart from a cat maybe)

[mindyklasky.livejournal.com]

Crap - I go away for a few days and come back to *this* news! Fingers crossed that you work out a destination for the dolls soon.

[mixter11nm.livejournal.com]

I would imagine there must be some sort of charitable organization that would be willing to take in your dolls/bears and donate them. At least, I sure hope so!